big city, bigger dreams

You know the saying "small town, big dreams"? Well, that doesn't apply to me. I grew up in a city of 600,000 people - most with big dreams. When I was younger I wanted to grow up and be everything including the kitchen sink and sure enough I did everything I didn't say I wanted to do.

As I'm getting older I have dreams of being in New York, how I get there I do not know, what I do there I do not know. What I do know is that I will get there. What do I want to do now with my life? Basically dress people in fabulous clothes and make jewellery. It's aaalll happening.

I didn't come from a small town, I came from a big city - and I have bigger dreams.

As I digress...

The lovely Alexander Liang and Paisley Smith from Kenton Magazine are so special to feature me and Jeremy Szafron in their latest vid from the Le Chateau Style Event! xoxo



I just recently finished a new chain bracelet that I will definitely be making in more colors. It's the perfect addition to most arm parties and adds a chic touch to all outfits! I'm definitely thinking about starting an Etsy shop for my bracelets and paintings...what do you think?!


(moms vintage chain, BCBG, moms vintage chain, my DIY braclet)

PS. Did anyone catch the Victoria Secret Fashion Show?! Can you say AMAZING?!?! Oh and the 2.5 million dollar bra, no bigs. I got one of those.

Your Monday Must-Haves

Happy Monday everyone!

I thought I'd start off the week with some of my favorite items from the weekend, possibly inspire some of you to purchase or create the same :)

Did you do anything fabulous over the weekend? I for one kept it low key and dedicated it to organizing everything in my place, searching Beatport for some great new house music, shopping for fun Christmas prezzies, one on one time with my mom and outfitting a client for fall!

Oh, and if you haven't entered in my recent giveaway for a fantastic WTF? accessory frame by the lovely Kate Duncan - you really should! IT ENDS TODAY at 5pm so make sure to get those entries in quick!!!! You can enter by clicking HERE.


Essie nail polish - TBA, Size Matters, Bordeaux.


Deserts from Terra Bakery on Granville Island


Newly made bracelet, gold with navy.


Silver skull found at the dollar store - of all places to find this beauty!


My mom and myself enjoying some girl time :)

Gift Giving: The Swag Bag

My two besties Lyndsey and Tamar and myself are swapping gifts this year and we've never done the "Secret Santa" swap, we just get each other gifts!

I was thinking of doing something a bit different this year but still haven't decided. While I was contemplating this new idea I came across one that would be perfect for all of you gift givers - "The Swag Bag" !!

This idea struck when I opened up my swag bag from the Gap x Style Spy Holiday Shopping Event and thought wow, these are such great and non cheap items that make a big impact!

You can wrap them however you want, I was thinking maybe a stocking, gift bags, various size boxes stacked like a tree, yadda - yadda - yadda...

Here are some great swag items to add to your bag:



Click on the item description to purchase:
1. Voluspoa candles - $12
2. M.A.C. eyeshadow pots - $15
3. Essie nail polish - $8
4. Goody Spin Pins - $5
5. Shiseido eyelash curler - $19
6. O.P.I nail designs - $15
7. BCBG animal skin bracelet - $38
8. Keel's simple diary - $18
9. H&M gift cards - any amount
10. BCBG snake bracelet - $18
11. Spike The Punch necklace - $40
12.BFriend bracelets - $48.49
13. Starbucks gift cards - any amount

Effortlessly Chic

Don't you like this outfit? The great idea behind it is that it's effortless but still detailed. The classic cable knit thrown over a basic pant with color is the simple part. Pair it with a bootie that has a buckle detail and you've got your small part that makes a big difference! The bag and the ring are just last minute additions that had the final touches to your outfit.



Click on the item to purchase it!

1. Isabel Marant Anui cable-knit alpaca-blend sweater $780
2. Jerome Dreyfuss Twee Mini leather shoulder bag $650
3. Aurélie Bidermann Demeter braided 18-karat gold-plated ring $170
4. Aubin & Wills Shenley cotton-twill chinos $150
5. Rachel Comey Shingle Bootie $429

Have you entered in my latest giveaway yet?? Be sure you check it out there's only 2 days left!!!

Black Friday Finds & Favorites

Happy Black Friday shopping day all of my American peeps! I hope you all nab some amazing deals and get your reved up hands on some fantastic finds! I for one will be staying home, and shopping quietly. Have fun!


I came across this great photo of my mom when she was only 21, she just arrived in Canada on this exact day. My mom always said "You know you look like me when I was your age!" and I would always say "oohhh yeahhh okay mom".... BUT I REALLY DID! Granted I'm 3 years older in this photo but you see the similarities.


Last Sunday the girls and I got together for a cupcake baking, wine drinking, Sex & The City watching type of night. We made holiday cupcakes (kind of a fail), drank wine that went bad (fail) and I forgot the Sex & The City dvd (fail.) LOL but we still managed to put together a fantastic night thanks to Rogers On Demand!


My swag bag and yummy treats from the Style Spy x The Gap holiday event!

Also, since it's Black Friday in the U.S of A and we can't get those really sweet deals that all of you Americans will get I've created a textured and printed shopping list for everything I would want to look for if I went shopping in the states! Click on the item to purchase it - maybe it's a really great deal today!



1. ASOS Belted Dress with Star Print $80.86
2. Kate Spade New York - Fanfare Lacey (Leopard)$195
3. ACTIVATE Platform Ankle Boots $190
4. MuchTooMuchGoldstone Throne Necklace $16.99
5. Threadsence Fresh Air Bangle $15
6. Jeffrey Campbell Elegant St Flats $170
7. Red Valentino Embellished tulle dress $750.00

Have you entered in my latest giveaway yet?? Be sure you check it out there's only 3 days left!!!

Shopping Finds - and some favorites!

Firstly, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of my American friends and followers!!!

....and now down to business.


I just love this new Gap sweater that I nabbed at the Gap x Style Spy Holiday Shopping Party on Tuesday. The odd (but awesome!) thing about it though is that I didn't even try it on and I ALWAYS try on Gap items because they never fit me. IT FIT!! It also came in black with gold threading and I may just run over and get it. It was only $30 on promo from $59.50.


As of late I've been drawn to only wear a few of my bracelets. These 2 gold chains were my mom's when she was younger and they honestly go with just about any bracelet combination I can think of. This Bulova watch was my mom's wedding present from my dad and even tho the battery is dead and it needs a bit of shining up I always want to wear it just because of how beautiful it is with it's vintage feel.


A new holiday polish by Joe Fresh! A metallic gold finish can add a bit of an edge and even look flirty with some darker outfits. (Color - Sunkissed)


My new patent leather tote from Le Chateau that I purchased during their Holiday Shopping Event with Flare Magazine. It holds my entire life and even room for more purchases ;) - a blessing AND a curse.


Photo taken by Georgia Esporlas Photography at the Style Spy Holiday Party at The Gap. (From left to right: Cara from A Fashion Love Affair, Melissa from Miss-Melissa, Tessa from Belle Epoque, ME!, Leonie from The Signature Bow and Jen from Prairie Girl In The City

NYX Makeup - Christmas Goodies!

As you may have read before on here and over and OVER AGAIN on twitter, I'm a huge fan of NYX Cosmetics. The quality is great and the price is even better. For those of you that are looking for some great stocking stuffers, invovled in Secret Santa or are just looking for a great gift you should definetly check out these makeup sets! All of them are under $50, most are under $30!

To see my previous post on NYX Cosmetics, click HERE.

Click on the item description to purchase :)


NYX Lip Gloss Palette $8


NYX Nude on Nude Kit $13


NYX Eye Shadow Palette $25


NYX Box Of Smokey Look Collection $22


NYX Beauty To Go $45

ALSO, Don't forget to enter to win a WTF? accessory frame by Kate Duncan. The rules have changed so be sure to check it out HERE.

Holiday Wish List Número Dos

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle from Knot PR as she delightfully introduced me to Biko, a 'modern nostalgic' accessory line by the fabulous Corrine Anestopoulos.

My intial intention for this Christmas Wish list was to tailor it to only silver and white items because my first one was all about gold and black... but honestly, once Michelle kindly sent me items from Biko in silver and I saw ALL of the items on the website I had to create this into a Biko wishlist!

I am super excited to see her designs in person during the One Of A Kind Show from Dec 8 - Dec 11, and will be clearing my funds on that day too.

To see more of Corrine's designs please click HERE!

Once again, all of these items are all UNDER $100 !!



1. Hex Chaser Bracelet $95
2. Leapdrop Earrings $42
3. Leapdrop Earrings $42
4. Hex Necklace $85
5. Crystal Studs TBA
6. Modern Friendship Bracelet $85
7. Chain Studs $45
8. Raw Crystal Nekclace $79
9. Silver Flake Vial Necklace $75
10. Fools Gold Necklace $79

WTF? A HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Monday everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekends and are getting back to the grind. I for one wanna get a good dent in my Christmas shopping done today, and since I figured you would too...it would be a great time for a Holiday Giveaway!!!!

Kate Duncan from WTF? and myself are giving away one of her great 16x16 WTF? accessory frames!! I'm super jelly that I can't have it myself but I think it's much better that we spread the holiday cheer, don't ya think?



If you missed the post about her lovely accessory frames click HERE.

Here's how to enter: You must "like" both-

LIKE "WTF? WHAT THE FRAME?" on Facebook HERE
LIKE "THE- UNPRECEDENTED" on Facebook HERE

Leave a comment on the wall for The- Unprecedented saying, "WTF?! Make me a winner!"

IF YOU'RE ALREADY A FAN OF THE- UNPRECEDENTED on Facebook - you can still enter! Just make sure to "like" WHAT THE FRAME? on Facebook and leave a comment on the wall for The Unprecedneted.

For extra entries:

Follow me on twitter HERE OR find me at @RandaSalloum
Follow me on Google Connect by clicking on "Join This Site" on the bottom of the page.

Don't forget to leave a little somethin letting me know you've entered!

I will announce the winner on Monday Nov 28th at 5pm!

Happy holiday shopping and giveaway everyone - good luck!

WTF?...What The Frame?

I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Kate Duncan at the East Side Culture Crawl on Friday night and if it wasn't her great designs that brought me into her studio space it was her bigger than life, infectious personality - shes seriously so funny!

With a love for all accessories, putting pretty things on display and a habit of collecting them and organizing them it was clear to Kate that she needed a more efficient way to display them. With that said, 3 years ago she put away her 4 label makers and brought out the new and vintage frames and created "What The Frame?". However, it wasn't that easy and had to go through the troubles of trial and error.

What The Frame? is a fantastic way to organize and display your jewelery on your wall. With easy access to each piece you'll be falling in love with each item you own again and changing them up daily.

If you would like to get your ring covered hands on some of these beauties then you can catch Kate at the Portebello West Market on November 26th and 27th and at Blim on December 18th.

Kate will also take special requests for certain sizes, and you can bring in your own frame and she'll WTF? it for you!


If you would like to contact Kate, see below!
Facebook. www.facebook.com/WhatTheFrame
Website. www.deftdesign.ca
Email. info@deftdesign.ca
Phone. 604.773.5283

OH! GUESS WHAT?! WE'RE GIVING ONE AWAY!!!
Check back later today for the contest rules!!

Dont walk, but run! To the East Side Culture Crawl

On Friday night Eric and I attended one of the stops from the East Side Culture Crawl. For those that are unfamilliar it is an event held once a year throught Vancouver where studios will open their doors to showcase all of the latest talent from painting, sculpture, woodwork, accessories and many more. Each studio ranges from small with 5 artists to a 4 floor warehouse jam packed.

This year with 3 days, over 70 studios around Vancouver and 361 artists it was a must see, although we only had the energy for one studio - it was more than enough!

Our stop was 1000 Parker Street. Below is the artwork from my 3 favorite artists of the evening; Bradley Harms, Carla Tak and Noel Hodnett.







The Culture Crawl is held from November 18th - November 20th so make sure you attend it's last day to take in the artistic culture of Vancouver!

Deck the halls and drink those drinks!

When I think of a holiday party I think, sparkle! I saw this gorgeously cut and structured top by Stella McCartney on Net-a-Porter and immediately put the entire outfit together. A top like this would go best with a structured pencil skirt (to elongate the body) and it needed to have some detail to it. With a top cut the way it is, a pencil skirt that draws to the knee, you can create an hour glass shape even if you don't have one.

Paired with simple accessories a nude nail polish you'll be that holiday sparkle everyone's been looking for ;).



Click the items to purchase them:
1. Stella McCartney Fluted stretch-twill top $995
2. Vince Sequined pencil skirt $345
3. Mulberry Oversized Postman's Lock suede clutch $700
4. Jacob Cashmere Cardi Nail Polish $6
5. BCBG animal print bracelet $38
6. Jimmy Choo Cosmic suede pumps $695

Holiday Wish List Numero Uno

There are only 39 days left until I get to run towards the glistening Christmas tree and tear open all of my long awaited presents! Don't get me wrong, I know that's not the only part of Christmas ;).

I didn't even realize how much time there was left to get presents for 10 people but I'm happy to say that last night I finally got a start at the 8 year anniversary party at The Cross Design and Decor! I can't share with you what I purchased but I got 2 wicked presents for Eric and 1 present for his sister, Tara.

I tend to not have a lot on my wish lists but this year there's been a whole shabang of items that I want! Here is my Christmas wish list (items under $100) PART UNO!!



1. H&M blazer $69.95
2. BCBG Pave ball earbuds $40
3. BCBG gem and chain bracelet $48
4. The Cross Decor & Design Silver Morracan tea glass $14
5. Le Chateau fold over clutch $49.95
6. Le Chateau clutch (but in black or brown) $49.95
7. Yves Saint Laurent Style $40
8. BCBG snake bangle $18
9. Marc By Marc Jacobs brass and glass crystal studs $48
10. H&M blazer $59.95
11. The Cross Decor & Design Ornate frame $44

gold and pops

In the past few days I've been into black outfits with touches of neutral and obviously some sparkle! Once I saw this Vince dress I automatically put a color scheme together in my head and thought of the perfect outfit for going out. Honestly tho, I would totes wear this outfit to lunch... either with black flats, booties or a suede pump. It's NEVER too much, don't you forget that ;).



1. Bottega Veneta Oversized twill vest $1,800
2. Vince Sequin-embellished crepe dress $495
3. Butter London 'Pillar Box Red'
4. Charlotte Olympia Dolly velvet platform pumps $875
5. 14K gold stud earrings
6. Charlotte Olympia Pandora Bruce Perspex box clutch $695

Shopping Finds

Like I said in my previous post it's been about 2 months since I've purchased any article of clothing or an accessory but I'm pleased to announce that I've broken the seal! After our excting shopping experience with Lindsay Walsh of Standing Armed I've purchased a beautiful silk tank that's going to be made in black, Lyndsey and I headed over to Pacific Center for some more retail therapy and I got a great dress from H&M for only $14.95!



As we shopped I made sure to snap photos of everything I loved so I can share it with you all!


1. Gold envelope clutch - BCBG
2. Sparkle and Snakeskin envelope clutch - BCBG (Buy HERE)
3. Bow clutches - H&M
4. Evenlope clutches - H&M
5. Sparkle clutches - Kate Spade @ Holt Renfrew
6. Gold sparkle Juicy Couture laptop case - Juicy Couture


1. Leopard sweater - BCBG
2. Faux fur jacket - Le Chateau
3. Illyane faux fur jacket - Club Monaco
4. Red sweater - Top Shop @ The Room @ The Bay
5. Black and pattern baseball jacket - Top Shop @ The Room @ The Bay
6. Shag jacket - Free People @ The Room @ The Bay


1. 2 tone boots - Jessica Simpson @ Sears
2. Loafers - Top Shop @ The Room @ The Bay
3. Floral Earrings - H&M
4. Leather bracelets - Adrenaline on Granville

Standing Armed - An Afternoon Of Shopping

Yesterday Lyndsey and myself spent our afternoon doing what we would love to do every single afternoon. We shared a one on one shopping experience with the Lindsay Walsh, designer of Standing Armed in her Studio on East Hastings!

Lindsay started Standing Armed in 2009 and after a 2 year hiatus living in London, England she decided it was time to get back into the game. She debuted her label with a F/W11 collection and recently showcased her SS12 collection in September.

As Lyndsey tried on her Fall/Winter 2011 collection it was apparent to us that this designer is extremely talented and on our list of favorite designers! Everything from the flow, style, cut, fabrications and colors made us feel beautiful and super feminine and if there wasn't more people that needed to use the room to change...we would have been there trying on the entire collection.

One amazing bonus was that we also got to try on the SS12 collection even though she only had runway samples. I immediately fell in love with a silk button down tank that will be made in black, (so excited!)

Lyndsey had some troubles deciding what she wanted but we all agree that she made the best choice and went with the purple silk dress.

Thank you to Lindsay and her mother for putting together a wonderful trunk sale, we will be back soon!

If you're interested in shopping the collection, Lindsay will be having another Trunk Sale today from 5pm - 7pm at 9 East Hastings Street, Vancouver. You can RSVP to lwalsh@standingarmed.com.

If you're unfamiliar with her collections, be sure to check out her site.




(From left to right: Lyndsey trying on her first dress, The SS12 collection sample pieces, Lyndsey, Lindsay (the designer) and myself.)

Sometimes things get whatever

1. J.Crew Knitted wool cape $200
2. Inhabit Cable-knit cashmere-blend sweater $435
3. Maison Martin Margiela Mid-rise stretch-suede skinny pants $1,590
4. Valentino Leather knee boots $1,195
5. Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karat gold-plated resin ring $75
6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Regine faux fur bucket bag $400

#armparties

I know that the arm parties have been trending for a while now but my love for them grows stronger each day!

One of the great reasons for wearing arm parties is that your collection of bracelets will get larger than you ever dreamed. (LOL!) It can flip an outfit from simple to fun and quirky in 3-4 bracelets. You can go glam with pop of sparkle, black, gold and silver to fun and exciting with friendship bracelets and hot pink mixed with gold chains.

I don't know about you guys but I hope this lasts a really long time because I could use a few more justifications for purchasing bracelets :)