There are certain things in life that I couldn’t live without; you know those items that you would have to gather together before leaving a house on fire.

Mine are the following:

The Goddess Guide – I want her life

(I know, it sounds crazy to list this as an essential although, I may try to grab “A Fine Balance” and my Barefoot Contessa cookbooks as well)

My Dry Body Brush – It makes my booty soft enough to for the saying to be changed to “soft as Suzanne’s bottom” plus it is great for circulation.  

Bio Oil – I used to order this stuff from the UK. I would like to think that I am the reason why they started to sell it in Canada. I bathe in it (not literally, that would be too expensive, but I can dream)

My Christian Louboutins – Or as I like to call them my “Christian’s” since we are on a first name basis. I owe these towering heels to the fund my old work created for me when I left for Paris and then to my extremely generous Aunt, Ro, who topped up the fund when I fell in love with the Alligator pair.

My Qi Cashmere throw – Nothing is better than curling up with a book and a cashmere throw. Nothing. (ok maybe a few things)

My Silk Pillowcase – So I like soft things; yes, I do, but who doesn’t? Ther are four things you can’t skimp on in life: shoes, jeans, mattresses and linens.

My notebook – I, Suzanne Colmer, am a list maker. I make them for everything. I am a constantly forgetting things, so my trusty journal allows me to document my life. Perhaps, I will sell them one day.

Dufflet’s Chocolate Covered Cranberries and Blueberries – enough said. 

My Acne jeans – everyone should throw on a pair of fabulous jeans before running out of a burning building. I choose my ACNE’s.

Vanilla Musk - Nemat International Fragrance – One thing my Boyfriend and I agree on is Vanilla. I like to eat it and I like to wear it. This little roll on is my favourite.

A note from the Queen,

S.

Three dreaded words: post pregnancy clothes.

Don’t worry little mama’s this doesn’t have to mean your maternity or gym clothes! Women spend their pregnancy shopping for maternity clothes but rarely think about the period after the baby is born. What you wear affects how you feel and thus how you present yourself to the world; our walk turns to a strut as soon as we trade our runners in for our pumps, we hold our head up high when we feel fabulous in a new outfit and we’re never afraid to bump into an old flame.

Here are a few style tips to get you started on your post pregnancy shopping trips:

• When you are feeling down or simply uncomfortable in your own skin, reach for a skirt rather than stretchy pants or throw on accessories to turn clothing into an outfit.
• Think about what you are going to wear before you put it on. I use my File and Style software to organize and view the different outfits on my computer. You could do this too! Simply take photos of your clothing and upload them to your computer.
• Check out your favourite stores to see what styles can work for your new body. Look for styles that bypass the waist, flat front pants and minimal detail to minimize the tummy.
• Try espadrilles or wedges rather than a heel to give yourself an instant life without sacrificing comfort
• Have fun with trends. This is the one time as your body is in transition that you are allowed to buy disposable clothing.

A note from the Queen,

Suzanne

Building a fantastic wardrobe is like building a house, you must have your foundation built before you think about your kitchen sink. Like wise, you must also think about your basics before considering purchasing this month’s trends. So, what would be considered the essentials? Well, I’m glad you asked. Here they are in no particular order

• The Trench – not “a” trench, “the” trench. Don’t skimp and don’t buy the first one you see (unless it’s Burberry). Make sure it fits like a glove and could be worn with absolutely anything (including just your knickers)

•  T-shirt – White or off white, depending on your complexion. Look for necklines that mimic your chin line, although  v-necks are universally flattering.

• Black pants – try a wider trouser cut for bigger hips and a narrower cut for those with smaller hips or anyone looking to emphasize what they’ve got.

• Button up Shirt – There is nothing sexier than a men’s style shirt on women. Have it tailored for the perfect fit

• Seamless undergarments – Fact: VPL will immediately ruin a great outfit. Fiction: Skinny girls don’t need spanx. A seamless outfit is much more appealing on the eye no matter what your shape

• All season dress – this does not have to be black, it just has to be adaptable. Make sure you can dress it way up or down and pile on the accessories without overwhelming it.

• Nude pump – Not sure what shoes go with your new dress? Reach for your nude pumps. Bought a new suit but aren’t sure about the shoes? Reach for your nude pumps? Experimenting with colour in your clothes? Reach for your nude pumps.

• Jeans – Really? Do I have to explain myself. Just buy a pair that makes you feel amazing; like you could wear them everyday with everything.

• A great belt – Jeans + T-shirt + belt = perfect outfit

• A go to Necklace- While I am a fan of accessories, I do recommend having a go to necklace that could be worn everyday.

• Jean shorts/Bermudas/Capri – You choose! Just make sure to find a length that ends at the slimmest part of your leg  

• Flats – Make sure they are comfortable; comfortable enough to roam the streets of Paris and not have to stop to rest your feet. (I recommend testing them out)

• Skirt – While this wouldn’t be an essential in my wardrobe, some people like adding that extra wing onto their house. To emphasize hips go for a pencil skirt, while an a-line will help minimize your booty.

A note from the Queen.

S.