Sunday Brunchin'

There are few opportunities for "girl-time-bonding" that I enjoy as much as Sunday brunch. The long and lazy pace, perusing through endless options of sweet and savoury delicacies, sipping warm cups of coffee while chatting about everything from current events to careers - from family to fashion finds. Reminiscing about old times and looking forward (sometimes with excitement - other times with trepidation) to the next milestone. No one does bonding better than good girlfriends, and no setting is better for it, to me, than a fantastic brunch spot.

So last Sunday I made the trek from the 'burbs to the heart of T.O. to not only catch up with two of my best girlfriends, but also to celebrate the impending arrival of my friend Laura's new baby girl ♡♡♡. I have been to some really fabulous brunch spots over the years, and count Insomnia, Hot House and Patria among my favs. But this time, at the request (brilliant!) of the mom-to-be, we decided to check out the new Colette Grand Cafe located inside Toronto's hip and trendy Thompson Hotel. The weather on Sunday was decidedly fall-like - cool and damp, drizzling but not pouring - and it made the atmosphere inside this gorgeous, Parisian inspired cafe that much cozier. It also made our brunch date, that much longer as we opted for one more cup of coffee, and perhaps one last serving of prosciutto rather than heading back, out into the dreary weather.

The exterior of the restaurant has a distinctly European flair, with a crisp navy and white color palette and cute bistro tables shaded by a chic awning.

Once inside, I was greeted by a beautiful, smiling hostess and given a moment to take in the flawless interior decor as I waited for our table to be prepared (Reservations for Sunday brunch are strongly recommended - if not absolutely required). The brunch buffet was incredible. The selections endless and the service impeccable. The crowd was an eclectic mix of urban hipsters, and savvy fashionistas, and I expect that being just down the street from 2015 TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) action upped the overall beautiful people quotient this weekend.

If you haven't yet had the opportunity, I strongly recommend booking a table at Colette. At just under $300 for the three of us (including champagne mimosas, taxes and gratuity), it is definitely on the pricier side, as brunches go, however it is worth every penny. And really, as an occasional treat in the spirit of girlfriend bonding, I'm not sure that you can afford not to try it ;)

Shirt - Winners (similar)

Pants - H&M (similar)

Bag - Danier (similar)

Shoes - Nine West (similar)

Linking up with these fabulous blogs!!

Denim Distressin'

I have been trying to find the perfect pair of distressed denim skinnies for the longest time! I was debating on whether to wait until I had lost these final post baby pounds, when I came across a great pair of stretchy, comfy, generously weighted jeans by H&M. For just $39.99, I was in the change room and at the checkout faster than she could say "cash or credit".

There are so many things I like about these jeans - I don't even know where to start! Firstly, the shade of blue is absolutely spot on what I wanted. Not too deep, and not so light that they are unflattering on my fuller post-pregnancy thighs - I find these the perfect shade of medium-blue denim. I also love that the distressing was done in such a way that there are no actual "holes" in the jeans, just a really great threading effect:

Next, I absolutely LOVE the length on these! They are sold as a cuffed jean, and so there is a very generous inseam that allows you to wears these with flats or with the highest of sky-high heels you dare. 

Finally they are made of that most elusive combination of thick, heavy-weight denim and generous stretch that makes them both comfortable AND flattering.

I paired my jeans with a pretty, blush blazer by Vero Moda, snakeskin heels from Nine West and a loose sleeveless blouse from Forever 21.

I had a tough time deciding between my cognac satchel from Danier or the gold Tory Burch clutch. As I was going to be on the road for a while, function ended up trumping form, and I went with the "fits-everything-i-need-and-more" satchel :)

Which handbag would you have chosen?

Linking up with these fabulous blogs!!