outfit of the week

resort look

Are you planning a sunny getaway?  If so, I’m sad I can’t go with you but I can definitely tell you what to pack.  First let me say that this peplum tankini is almost enough to keep me away from sugar (typing this as I’m eating a very rich brownie).  It’s so cute, I’d actually wear the tankini part of it as a top.  Throw this green midi skirt on, and grab this bright knit cardigan, the only thing you need now is a fresh flower in your hair.  I can picture you soaking up those rays right now.  The priciest item on this list is the bathing suit, but the uniqueness of it is worth the $$, especially if you’re planning many beach days this year (which I think is a great goal for 2013).  As for me, I quietly sigh until I can hit the beach here in Vancouver, on that note no more brownies.

Flounced Peplum Tankini $140 | Midi Skirt $38 | Knit Cardi $45 |  Southwest Tote bag $80 | Buddha Charm Necklace $98 | ”Playdate” nail colour by Essie | Penny Loves Kenny Wedges $99

well dressed couples

Look at these two.  Diane Kruger and Josh Jackson have great style together.  The thing is, this look is EASILY achievable.  If your guy is still wearing running shoes and jeans…well…you need to do something about it.  If only to save your sex life.  We all know he isn’t going to buy these things for himself…so Christmas is around the corner and you can help in that department.  Oh and ladies if your man is into Ed Hardy and highlights in his hair, then all I can say is best of luck to you, truly…

Take a look at the options I’ve given below, as inspired by the Kruger/Jackson duo.

 

                 Belt, Club Monaco $70 | Wool Blazer, Nordstrom $250 | Felt Fedora, Nordstrom $78 | Shirt, Club Monaco $60

 Messenger Bag, currently unavailable (similar)| Leather Boot, Aldo $140

 

Blazer, Urban Outfitters $49 | Printed Scarf, Piperlime $72 |Flare Jeans, Modcloth $100 | Fedora, Shopbop $90

Bootie, Piperlime $228

tweed & lace

Blazer: 2 years ago, Cartonnier for Anthropologie

Tunics (both) Free People – get them from the website today!

Tights by Ribbon for Plenty

Boots are Aldo

Bag (purchased a year and a half ago) from Anthropologie

*prices aren’t included because many pieces were purchased at least two seasons ago!

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ready for rain

I get asked all the time: “how do I still look put together for school/work in this weather?”  The rain has started here in Van, and is not going to let up for a while now but don’t be stuck in sporty wear all winter….please wear your lululemons to yoga, they don’t belong in the office, yes I’ve seen this believe it or not.  Instead of a track suit looking rain jacket, substitute this water resistant anorak…the lining is plaid which is very cute.  I’m tired of the classic Hunters, so instead of the tall Hunter boots I really like this bootie version, they are discrete and look cute with skinnies tucked in.  

Knee high socks | Anthropologie $36

Scout’s satchel | Anthropologie $278

PGD Alice Anorak | Plenty $149

Betsey Johnson bow umbrella | Modcloth $38

Knit hat | Piperlime $48 (by Echo)

Hunter booties | Plenty or Shopbop $120

 

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rugged and sweet

I love the look of military mixed with a feminine touch, like an embroidered dress, or really anything that is equal feminine and masculine.  It’s important to have balance, like I always say so my embroidered dress and my floral crown are good with my army green anorak and my rugged grey boots.  The animal print on the bag gives a little texture, too.

Floral Crown: Free People

Sunglasses: Aldo

Anorak: Maison Scotch

Dress: Free People

Tights: Anthropologie

 Boots: Aldo

Bag: Fossil

 

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black is back

Spring and summer were all about soft colours, pastels, taupes, ivory, and white.  Now I am all about getting my jet black pieces out.  Black offers edge, is always classic, and can be infused with bits of colour here and there.  The red zipper detail in the moto jacket adds interest, the teal stripes in the maxi skirt give some depth, and the orange velvet infinity scarf with the mustard cross body bag are perfect fall colours.  Here’s the thing, all your main pieces can be used over and over again, the accessories offer colourful layers to an otherwise basic look.  Balance the cost with how much wear and use you’ll get out of the item.  The Cynthia Vincent’s are the most expensive but they will go with everything and can be worn with cute little floral skirts when spring finally rolls around again!

Fitted Chambray Shirt, $88 Anthropologie

Banded Column Skirt, $98 Anthropologie

Anise Attitude Moto Jacket, $55 Modcloth

Cynthia Vincent Platform Booties, $350 Piperlime

Modest Indulgence Velvet Scarf, $20 Modcloth

Stone Stud Earrings, $48 Coach

Kenneth Cole Cuff, $98 Piperlime

Milly Emerson Mini Bag, $198 Piperlime

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keep it simple

Sometimes over thinking an outfit can be stressful, and I have stepped out of my house thinking I’m fashion-forward but really should have toned it down a bit.  That’s why it’s good to keep it sweet, and simple like Amy here.  She’s still so stylish with her Dior frames, love them!  She’s accessorized just enough with the two pendant necklaces, the oversized kimono cardi is from American Apparel, the gauze tank top is Plenty, along with the skinnies, and the cute platform sandals are from Urban Outfitters.  I love the look, and I love that she has a soft ombre in her hair and red lipstick!  You don’t need to go overboard to be fashionable, this is just enough.

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neon and pale pink

Cotton Tank, Brandy Melville $20

Cropped Floral Bra, Free People $38

Electric Vines Skirt, Anthropologie $118

Original Still Life Bag, Anthropologie $398 check for assorted styles

Metallic Sandals, Aldo $40

 

 

 

 

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old with new

I have been trying to wear everything in my closet lately.  Yes, I have a bit of a problem…and I keep adding to the collection…sigh…if only I felt a little more buyer’s remorse, but not this girl.  My latest conquest is this cute cropped tank top in a bold and bright print from Urban Outfitters,  Since I am the proud owner of a JLo booty, cropped tops can be a little tricky for my body shape so I paired it with this maxi dress, purchased last year (but get something similar at American Apparel).  The jacket is at least 2 years old, but find a cropped anorak at Zara, I just recently saw an army green one there, and it’s a little more structured than the classic anorak.  Have fun with your older pieces, they are probably not ready to retire yet!  

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a balanced look

I always talk about balance when building an outfit.  The best way to put a look together is to put the feminine with the masculine.  I tend to take the frilly, girly look to heart – and even I have to remind myself that adding an edge or some cut looks to a flowy dress can really be fashion forward.  This dress I’m wearing is super light and soft, so I paired it with a navy, double breasted blazer.  I added the fedora for a little edge, and the little eyelet cropped top adds a little more softness (recently purchased from Brandy Melville on Granville).  The two tone infinity scarf is also from Brandy Melville, fedora and dress are from Plenty, blazer is from Anthropologie 2 years ago.

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flowy and floral

I broke down and had to buy this gorgeous blouse from Anthropologie, called the Crimped Alabaster blouse, $138.   The high-low skirt is from Plenty by Velvet Heart, $108.  I felt special in this outfit, it’s dressy but so comfortable.  The bag is from forever 21 believe it or not $20, and the shoes are from ages ago, $25 from Aldo at an end of season sale!

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day-glo

hmmmm, what to pair with bright skinnies, how about an ivory free people tunic $130, a jean jacket, and a fedora?  The whistle necklace actually works!  It’s from Plenty, along with the hat – $26 and $28 respectively.  Skinnies are from Free People too, $70.  Sandals are from Browns, 2 years ago though!  Happy hunting for those bright day-glo colours, you’ll need them for summer.

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mini, midi, or maxi?

In my “garden love” post for Style Nine to Five, I showcased this lovely crochet and floral dress from Free People ($118), and I loved it so much well, er, I ordered it online.  It’s so bright, painterly, and feminine.  It goes perfectly with my floral crown and the locket that I bought ages ago.  The dress comes in a pretty yellow and mauve version too!  The handbag is old Anthro, but there are several places to get a bright bag these days, just make sure you don’t take a short cut, a good quality bag is noticeably good quality, go to Winners and you might be lucky and find something great for a good price, look for good stitching and try to stay away from hardware that is overly shiny.  You can barely see my nail polish, but I’m wearing Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen and it’s my must-have nail colour this season!

First, identify what your plans are this summer, then find the perfect dress to match your lifestyle.   Are you going to a lot of weddings?  Are you planning on going on a lot of hot dates ;) ?  Or, are you planning on long walks by the water?   If all of the above sound good, well then girl you got some shopping to do ;)  Keep in mind your height when shopping for specific lengths of dresses, if you’re petite you can wear a maxi, but make sure you’re wearing a cute pair of heeled wedges.  You long-legged gals be careful with the mini dress, don’t wear too high of a pump.  Keep it classy, ladies!

Happy hunting for your favourite summer dress this year!

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i know, i know…

Dear readers:

I know you’re upset that I haven’t posted anything in 5 days, and I’m sorry!  This gal has been busy, no not too busy for you (well, maybe a little).  Anyway the week is coming to a close, which I’m ok with.  I don’t know where you are in the world, but today the sun is out and it’s beautiful.  Wear something bright, attract positive energy, and have a great weekend everyone!

Crochet top, Anthropologie (sale) $69.95  |  Skinny jeans, Big Blue (Plenty) $79  |  Peep toe heels, B.Makowski (last year)  |  Sunglasses and bag, Aldo Accessories $12 and $25

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, HAPPY HUNTING…for whatever it is you’re looking for ;)

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well aren’t you a peach

Besides mint green, peach is a popular colour this season!  Make sure you pick the right peachy tone for your own skin.  For example, my mediterranean heritage and yellow undertones means that I need to go for more of a pink-peach, the muted peaches work well for you blonde bombshells!  Can we talk about how cute those AG polka dot jeans are?  I love them!  Yes, they are a little pricey, but you can wear them tons!  They are the perfect alternative to the everyday denim, and honestly you can wear them with any colour, and almost any pattern (stripes and floral will definitely work).  Always balance your look, there are a lot of feminine elements in this outfit, so the wooden wedge sandal in cheetah print adds a bit of edge.  Even better, if you have a masculine bomber jacket, that would work here too.  Happy hunting for your spring colours, and remember to buy the colour that’s right for you!

1.  wooden wedge sandal, Jessica Simpson for Piperlime: $98  |  2.  sleeveless blouse, Topshop: $70  |  3.  floral print sunglasses, A.J. Morgan for Ruche: $15  |  4.  polka dot denim, AG for Anthropologie: $178  |  5.  striped bow hair elastic, Forever 21: $1.50  |  6.  push-lock handbag, Melie Bianco for Ruche: $100

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thrifty style for spring

Are you desperate for new spring pieces, but your wallet seems to be a little skinny lately?  Well you don’t need a wallet stuffed with c-notes to look adorable, and the outfit below is a perfect example for that.

The  MIZIA bracelets from Aldo are $12 | moto striped shorts from Topshop are $50 | embroidered button-down from Anthropologie is $30 | studded mini bag from Free People is $48 | braided t-strap sandals from AE are $30.

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street fashion

I found Chalitta, and her stylish self, browsing Robson street and looking oh so fab!  I just HAD to take a picture of her put-together self, down to the black stud earrings, the badass stiletto booties,  and the Balenciaga bag – she looks quite adorable indeed.  I do hope that Chalitta’s style (she’s from Calgary) will inspire our Vancouverites to wear less athletic pants, Uggs and hoodies, and more skinny chords, and heeled booties!

floral jeans? yes, please!

Bold prints have become such a norm these days, even the most basic person owns at least one blouse with loud colours or geometric patterns.  I love these jeans, and I love that the pattern is on the bottom, instead of the blouse.  With such a bold feminine print, it’s important to balance the outfit with some masculine pieces.  The pinstripe shirt, and the grandpa cardi (both in neutral colours) help do this. I love the  La Mer watch, I own one in a tan and brown mix, but navy is the new black baby so this piece is a must.  Keep the rest of your accessories simple, wear studs for earrings, nothing that dangles, skip the scarf today, and layer with a cropped jean jacket.  How cute are you?

1. caramel grandpa cardi $60, modcloth  2. tie-front button-down $78, anthropologie  3. La Mer studded watch $122, shopbop   4. citizens of humanity floral jeans $200, shopbop  5. Vince Camuto shoulder bag $278, piper lime  6. Michael Kors wedge sandal $150, piperlime

a crisp january day

I love cold mornings when you can see your breath in the air and the weather is cold enough to wear a cozy sweater, but warm enough to not have to cover it up with a parka!  Moving from a snowy city to a rainy one has it’s ups and downs for sure, but as I said to a coworker today: when it’s not raining – Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I love that in January a jean jacket over a pretty sweater is just warm enough.  A cozy sweater doesn’t have to be worn casually, in fact I always love pairing casual with dressy, it’s a good way to create balance in your outfit.  The beautiful open-closure sweater I’m wearing below is from Plenty, the dress is an old purchase but if you like my look you can find similar dresses at modcloth.  The cropped denim jacket, necklace, and leather gloves are from Anthropologie last year, the cut out metallic corset belt was a gift (from BCBG last year), handbag is vintage, and my favourite boots are swedish hasbeens from Umeboshi on main!

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inspired by SJP, but can’t get the Valentino and Jimmy Choos?

Did you watch Live! With Kelly today?  If you did, you got to see Jonah Hill co-host and SJP as a guest.  I could not get over her dress!  I LOVE, LOVE it, but folks it’s Valentino and though one day I know I will have a Valentino piece in my closet, for now I have to find things that look similar, with a reasonable price.  I loved her look from head to toe, and the tights are amazing, so here it is – I’ve concocted the outfit for you, with pieces that have much better price tags.  I always say that you absolutely do not need to spend a fortune to get the look you want, and everything below can be paired with many other pieces that you have in your closet right now.  The only trendy item would be the tights, and that’s why you’re only spending $15 on them, the dress is classic and can be worn even 5 yrs down the road, so be smart when you buy things and you won’t feel like you’re spending money needlessly.

Photo credit for Sarah Jessica Parker: JustJared

Necklace – from Piperlime, by Tinley Road – $38

Even Flurry Dress – from Anthropologie – $168

Hobo bag – from Shopbop by Rebecca Minkoff – $495

Swing Coat – from Topshop - $145

Turquoise tights – from Topshop – $15

Platform heels – from Piperlime by Sabine – $40

Perforated belt – from Piperlime by Vince Camuto – $60

Jackie O sunglasses – from Urban Outfitters by Ray-Ban – $139

colour, cookies, & billy madison

When I see my surroundings as dull and grey (and I’m not always referring to the weather), I pull myself out of my monotone mood and I wear the brightest and most unexpected combo I can get my hands on.  Yes I get a few looks walking to my neighbourhood starbucks, but I couldn’t care less.  Yesterday I was lined up (at of course, my local starbucks) and behind me was a young gal dressed in goth-inpsired clothing, and though it’s not my personal style – I thought that it was nice to see something other than cargo skinnies, and anoraks.  Not that I don’t enjoy a good cozy anorak, I think they’re great – I’m just saying that lately I’m in the mood for colour…bright, rich, happy, confident, colour, and maybe some sparkle.  If this fails to turn my frown upside down, then a batch of cookies is in the works, and still if that doesn’t quite cut it, then it’s Billy Madison of course (these are the ultimate ingredients for getting you out of a bad mood).  Here’s some outfit inspiration for you, I want to wear this right now!  Cookie recipe is in an older post if you need, and friends if you had a rough day today then Billy Madison is just a Netflix click away.1. Joe Fresh Neoprene coat  2. Anya Hindmar clutch

3. Striped cocktail dress 4. Leopard print clogs  5.  Tinley Road pearl flower studs

 

 

no more drab!

We all do it, we keep buying black, grey, taupe, beige, brown…you know what I’m referring to, just because it’s winter it doesn’t mean we put our bright colours away, in fact this is the time to bring them out!  Don’t go and change your whole wardrobe, but buy a few inexpensive accessories to take your drab outfit to the next level.  If I took away the colourful belt, bag and scarf – wouldn’t that be boring?  If you are someone who is afraid of colour, just remember the commitment is a small one with these easy add-ons.  Besides, don’t you want to look a little different than everyone else walking down the street?  In Vancouver all I see is army green, black, brown, and grey.  Add some flavour for crying out loud, and for the LAST time – stop wearing your Uggs when you’re out on the town – do you want to get a second date or not?

1.  Assorted belts | Urban Outfitters   2.  Asena blouse | Anthropologie

3.  Moto skinnies | Topshop  4.  Mulberry snood| Topshop

5.  Blue bin trench | Anthropologie   6.  Leather lady bag | Topshop

7.  Suede bootie | Piperlime

not-so-cute to damn-girl!

Sometimes if I am shopping with someone and he / she comments on how “ugly” something is, I make it a personal challenge to make that item stylish.  Enter these Daughters of the Liberation pants.  They were inexpensive, and to be honest I don’t think they are that bad, but my shopping partners had very different opinions.  So here’s what I put them with.  They were originally cuffed, and if you are petite but have a ghetto booty and hips like the gal in the photos below (me!) then anything cuffed or capri is NOT A GOOD IDEA.  Plus capri’s?  Don’t even go there, figure or not.  If you are interested, you can buy the pants here.

Do you have something that you just don’t know what to pair with?  Shoot me a photo and I can give you some ideas!

Shoes and bag are vintage finds. Blouse was last year, but here is a similar one, if you’re looking.

 

Coat is FCUK, from last year but here is a similar one (one I like better actually).  Booties are brown suede, Zinda from Gravity Pope.  Belt is old school GAP, I have had it for too many years to count, and I still wear it a ton.

Sweater is from Oliver and Lily.  

 

 

 

colourful, classy

I love the Sonia Rykiel line.  It’s bright but classic.  The price tag of the skirt might cause you to choke a little, so sit down and stop drinking your coffee.  Yes a $600 skirt is a little much, but I wonder if it can give you some inspiration on how to use bright colours?  I love the gold drops, I am a yellow gold kinda gal, silver washes me out and gives my skin an attractive (sarcasm) greyish sheen, haha but obviously if you like silver that will work too (for you, definitely not for me).  The Foley + Corinna clutch is so sweet, isn’t it?  It’s good quality, and I can see myself using this clutch a lot, but if you don’t think you would use this bright colour as much, either find a knock-off (go to Winners, even) or buy it in a black or neutral – if you do that though, try to funk up the outfit with brighter shoes!  You want to play up the bright stripes in the skirt, not work against them.  Lastly, the blouse is a classic – I’ve used it in a previous post, but its because this piece goes with SO much, its $75 which is a great price and is so versatile.  If this skirt goes on sale, I’m all over it – until that time, a girl can dream…a girl can dream. 1.  OPI Polish in “crisp burgundy” $5.20(online) | 2.  Gold Torrent Drops $48

3.  Foley + Corinna Clutch $288 |4.  Vince Camuto “Merkina” Pump $115

5. Sonia Rykiel Signature Stripe Skirt $620 | 6.  Cream Contrast Shirt $75

 

 

 

 

planning your fall / winter wardrobe

It’s so useful if you plan out your fall or winter budget, and what your closet needs BEFORE you hit the store.  I have laid out many of the pieces I want in the photos below – the total for everything is over $1700, but you might not need everything on the list, likely you’ll be able to use pieces you already own.  I will show 10 outfits with the listed products, but you can get MANY more.  The great thing about this collection is that you can see you have options for casual days, work days, and nights out.  Its dollars wasted if you don’t have a clear vision of what you wardrobe will be, you end up purchasing items that you rarely wear – try to make sure that every time you buy something you should at least be able to wear it a few different ways – unless its REALLY special, in which case put it on your Christmas list!

Striped gold & black cuff  - $18 | Gold drop earrings – $23 | Striped infinity scarf – $32

Tan messenger bag – $98   |   Black mini croc bag – $45   |   Black riding boots – $100

Taupe booties – $130   |   Mauve flats – $40   |   Skinny belt – $11

Burgundy skinny jeans – $76   |   Trouser jeans – $248   |   Graphic print maxi skirt – $22

Blue cutout blouse – $70   |   Long sleeve ivory blouse, black border – $75

Navy dotted blouse – $56   |   Cowl neck sweater – $148   |   Grey cardigan sweater – $50

Leather bomber – $330   |   Black cape – $170

OUTFIT 1

 

OUTFIT 2

 

OUTFIT 3

 

OUTFIT 4OUTFIT 5  

 

OUTFIT 6 

OUTFIT 7

OUTFIT 8

OUTFIT 9OUTFIT 10

 

 

 

 

weird little combo? you be the judge.


 I like putting unexpected things together, and I am also trying to work with the wardrobe I have instead of always buying new things (my closet is already full enough).  The overalls are not that present in the trend world, but who cares, I paired the army green with a cropped bright coral knit, my Ruffian coat and a pair of neutral peep toe pumps.  Mixing feminine with masculine will give you better balance.  The overalls have a masculine and more trendy feel, the pumps and the coat offer a retro classic kind of feel, while the top adds the pop of colour and interest.  That;s that, the handbag should be an oversized clutch in a brown and the jewelry should be simple and elegant.  Its important not to overdo the outfit, take measured risks in life and in fashion (thats my motto anyway.)

i would tie-dye to have you

When I build an outfit for myself or someone else, I start off with an inspiration piece, something that really sets a platform for the rest.  The inspiration piece does not have to be the most expensive piece, in fact for me its usually the least expensive, because its the brightest and boldest of the outfit.  When I saw this tie-dye inspired midi skirt from Topshop, I wanted it right away!  It’s really about mixing and matching textures, colours and of course prices!  If you are going to spend the money, spend it on the shoes (shopbop) and the bag (saks), everything else you can get away with spending less.  The top is from forever 21 and is  inexpensive, but remember its polyester – but I say if you can’t tell then who cares!  What a cute, funky, and yet polished outfit this is!  I hope this inspired you to step out of the box a little for this season!

fun outfit