My new iPad definitely falls into the how-did-I-live-without-it category. (Hello, 21st century, I finally decided to join you.) But, much as I love the design of Apple products, I still feel this sleek gadget needs a little tarting up—as much for my own enjoyment as to impress fellow passengers on the train/bus/plane. (Oh, yes—and to keep the iPad unbashed and scratch-free.) This stylish Marni case caught my eye immediately. And it would go perfectly with my black carry-on bag…

Marni Leather-Trimmed Printed iPad Sleeve, $230 at net-a-porter.com

Etsy has exploded as the site to find just about anything of the crafty or vintage variety, including this cute necklace, which combines two of my favourite things: cats and quirky jewellery. It’s the perfect nod to Halloween if, like me, you’re not an ace at pulling together a costume. Head-to-toe black, I can do. Halloweenie necklace, I can do. Another year of not being a contender in best-costume contests… Oh well.

Halloween Cat With Full Moon pendant, $14.83 at etsy.com

“The last days of summer and the first days of autumn are days of still light evenings and old 45s we take outside and let the music keep us warm. The music drifts up to the heavens and the stars they hear and come down to dance as the sun sets.”

The end of summer. No more warm evenings on patios, no more days relaxing on the dock at the cottage, no more sandals and sundresses and tank tops. The end of summer, as you can see, has me a little depressed. But I figure I can either mourn its departure or embrace fall and the return of cosy sweaters, hot apple cider and vivid displays on the trees. This plate by U.K. paper-cutout artist Rob Ryan is a lovely reminder of why I should opt for the latter.

I’ve long been a fan of ’20s style. It was the first time women’s fashion reflected a screw-you-I’m-wearing-what-I-want attitude, so those drop waists and high necklines bring more to mind than just a roaring-fun decade. And it’s partly why I love this ring so much. From Dyment’s Gatsby collection, it harkens back to an era of prohibition, hedonistic parties and a culture that was bursting with post-war joie de vivre. Plus, it’s ever so pretty.

Holly Dyment Gatsby Daisy ring, $2,175, at hollydyment.com.

I first came across Tim Walker’s work in British Vogue. I don’t consider myself a photography enthusiast, but something about his images captured my interest—surreal, fantastical and beautiful, they’re the kinds of pictures I want to hang on my walls and look at every day. Walker has an incredible imagination, giving his shots a whimsical, almost childlike quality. This one, The Dress Lamp Tree, is a particular favourite—it appeals to the kid in me who still loves Enid Blyton’s tales of the Enchanted Forest and reminds me to stretch my own imagination once in a while.

Pictures by Tim Walker is available at amazon.ca

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of visiting the cellars of Moët & Chandon, in Epernay, France. Amid 250 years of history and millions of dusty bottles of champagne, I tasted Moët & Chandon’s Grand Vintage 2002. While I love the stuff, I’m no champagne connoisseur, but as soon as the incredible aroma hit my nose, I could tell this was a cut above the bubbly I usually quaff. Although you may not get the chance to sip this vintage in quite so apt surrounds, just close your eyes and imagine you’re in a cave-like, romantically lit room with dashing Frenchmen, and you’ll have a pretty close approximation.

Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2002 is available at the LCBO.

Sweet treats with a fashionable twist: the Royal Jubilee-themed Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley in London.

England is known for many wonderful things – its designers, street style stars, museums – but its cuisine is not one of them (steak and kidney pie, anyone? Didn’t think so). But, without doubt, one of its most delicious traditions is afternoon tea: dainty sandwiches, fresh scones and delectable cakes all washed down with the world’s best teas. While this tasty ritual has been adopted in other parts of the world, no one does it quite like the Brits.

So, in my quest to find the ultimate afternoon tea, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling some of London’s finest offerings and present here a mini-guide to the capital’s best tea experiences, complete with recommended fashion looks for each one. The next time you’re in town – to, you know, shop, buy real estate, catch up with Will and Kate – set aside a few hours for this most enjoyable of customs.

1. The Berkeley ($63; Wilton Place, Knightsbridge)

Combining two of our favourite things – fashion and sweet treats – the Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea celebrates our sartorial heroes with cookies taking the form of fluoro-yellow Louboutin stilettos, a vanilla cake in the guise of a Fendi bag and other delicious offerings that change according to the season’s current collections. This year, in honour of the Queen’s jubilee, the Berkeley is offering a special royal-themed tea: Nibble on confections in the shape of the infamous Philip Treacy fascinator Princess Beatrice sported to last year’s royal wedding or the maple leaf hat that the Duchess of Cambridge wore on her visit to Canada last summer.

What to wear: Cutting edge spring fashion from the top designer labels (or your best approximations). We love the water theme that swept the Spring/Summer 2012 runways in the form of prints, scalloped textures and lovely variations on the colour blue.

Runway inspiration: Mary Katrantzou, Versace, Chanel

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