urban outfitters

resort look

By Jo in outfit of the week No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

pretty and cozy

By Jo in Home, housewares No Comments Tags: , , , , , , ,

During the holiday season we are bombarded with glitter, cheesy holiday prints, more glitter, and junky decorative accessories. Though I like eclectic things, they must have aesthetic value, some sort of meaning to you that make it special, and for me I love when something feels nostalgic, warm, and cozy.  Delete the clutter, you can be eclectic without it being junky and messy!  Here are some things I love.  I actually made a pennant banner yesterday.  My favourites in this collage would easily be the Jon Contino whale print, and the pomegranate scented candle from Pottery Barn, oh and mercury glass…anything mercury glass!

Bedroom image, from Pretty Little Things

Pennant Banner, Etsy

Paris in Color, Anthropologie

Cotton Tara Throw, World Market

Pomegranate Candle, Pottery Barn

Cape Horn Art Print by Jon Contino for Society 6

Mercury Glass Hanging Votive Holders, World Market

Mercury Glass Votive Holder, Urban Outfitters

 

 

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gifts for gals

By Jo in Uncategorized No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s nice to treat the ones close to you.  I know this time of year brings a lot of mixed feelings, but the holiday season isn’t only about needless gift giving.  It is a good time to buy thoughtful gifts for those you appreciate.  Not that appreciation is only shown through gift giving, but I honestly LOVE finding gifts for my friends and family.  Hunting for something for someone special is enjoyable for the gift giver too :)  Here are some suggestions.  I love the Polaroid camera, it’s great for the gal who isn’t easily thrilled with accessories and girlish gifts.

Polaroid Camera Kit | Matika Stone Necklace | Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio | Happy Socks |  Rancher Hat | Charlotte Ronson Makeup Bag

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keep it simple

By Jo in outfit of the week No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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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old with new

By Jo in outfit of the week No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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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i heart you

By Jo in Uncategorized No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Who is Valentine’s day really for?  I have to admit that I have always thought that  romantic gestures on Valentine’s day are SO cheesy, aren’t they?  Come on folks, show the love all year, not just on Feb 14th.  With that said, I think it’s sweet to share little goodies with girlfriends, sisters, moms, coworkers…basically the females in your life.  Growing up, my sister and I always received candy and a teddy bear from our cute mom, and I like that little tradition.  Do I expect Shane to rent a limo and send a dozen roses to my workplace?  He better not, will I say no to a picnic and an afternoon walk (no, but we can do that any time right?)  So ladies, stop putting so much pressure on the men in your life (ahem or man, singular not plural) and have a romantic day with your girlfriends instead! Here are some sweet little ideas for you,.  These are my personal picks, making the stressful hunt for gifts easy.  At the end of the day, a batch of red velvet cupcakes would be perfect too….recipe for that soon ;)

Happy hunting,

Jo

1.  tarina tarantino makeup brush set $69 | sephora  2.  sleep set $30-$60 | aerie  3.  paul & joe makeup palette $36 | urban outfitters  4.  sweet almond soap with tin case $9 | lather bee rich  5.  fingerless gloves $25 | modcloth

 

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Natalie

By Jo in real life No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , ,

I love Natalie’s look today.  The high-waisted jeans, the skinny belt, bright cropped blazer, and platform wedge shoes, Nat knows what’s up! I appreciate that underneath the wide pant leg and above the hot shoes, is a secret little anklet that matches the statement necklace no less.  All these pieces are affordable, the jeans and shoes are from urban outfitters, and the blazer is from H&M.  Nat’s basic black long-sleeve tee is from Plenty.  Hunt for those pieces that will make you look like a million bucks, not like you spent a million bucks!

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spring arrivals are here!

By Jo in Trending, Uncategorized No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I get so excited for spring arrivals, especially after a rainy winter.  Look at all these beautiful bright shades!  Looks like colour blocking and stripes are still here to stay, but that’s okay – I will gladly embrace them for another season.  

chroma-kissed floppy hat $58, anthropologie | kaleidoscope earrings $5.80, forever 21 | straightaway jacquard mini dress $168, anthropologie | cropped striped tee $20, american eagle | michael antonio peep toe heels $69, piperlime | boutique 9 t-strap flat sandal $99, piperlime | marc by marc jacobs merida striped cover up dress $195, shop bop | colored sunglasses $10, urban outfitters | Opi nail polish (select stores or online at OPI | colorblock striped scarf $30, gap

inspired by the adventures of tintin

By Jo in Trending No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Did you watch or read Tintin when you were younger?  We just watched the movie and LOVED it.  The graphics were unreal, and I was inspired by the visual set design and backdrops.  The entire movie, the colours, the attention to detail, and the realistic graphics made me want to recreate Tintin’s outfit into a modern day look for myself, and also had me wanting to create a Tintin ambience in terms of housewares.  His apartment in the movie was cozy, and the look was specific and had a library feeling to it.  Anything can be inspiring, even a childhood icon!  PS I am totally going to wear this outfit, as soon as I collect all the pieces!

1. blue jumper $79, topshop |  2.  floral trench $52, modcloth  |  3.  white chiffon shirt $57, topshop  |  4.  jbrand skinnies $179, shopbop  |

5.  lace-up oxford bootie $79, piperlime  |  6.  faux leather handbag $85, mod cloth magnifying glass $16, anthropologie | framed art (prices vary), allposters | curtains $108, anthropologie | banker’s lamp $300, inspired by light | desk $390, pottery barn | rug $349, ikea | moleskine notebook $12, amazon | arm chair $349, urbanoutfitters | chair cushion $98, anthropologie | model ship $95, silver gold buyers on etsy | doggy dish $20, four r designs on etsy

 

photo credit for image of tintin: talesofaluciddreamer (i do not endorse this site).

gifts for guys

By Jo in Trending No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guys can be hard to shop for.  Every year I have to try and top what I bought the year before, and it can be hard.  This year, I got a few questions as to what to get for a guy that’s thoughtful, and dear lord PLEASE don’t give him “coupons”  that is SO cheesy, seriously ladies we’re better than that.

The first thing you need to remember is that guys are simple, ohhhh yes they are, and don’t tell yourself otherwise.

I love the iCade!  I want one myself!  If you got him an iPad last year, then this is a good little gift for this year.

I always find that my bf likes experiences far more than things, so concert tickets, or tickets to a comedy club are a good idea for someone like him, and that’s also a great gift for someone that you’ve just recently started dating, it’s something you can do together, and is not hard on the wallet.

Swiss army knife: your initial thought is “typical” but actually it’s a great gift, my dad loves his and it comes in handy, really!

For the hipsters in your life, the turntable is a good one, as well as the USB amp speaker (both from Urban Outfitters).

The Fossil watch is hot and it’s less than $150, which is a great price for a men’s watch that looks like this – this is for a serious bf ladies, do not spend this amount if you’ve gone on three dates.

The vintage Nintendo – I would want one too (we already have one), but how fun is that?

The bag is Swiss Army too, and I think it’s cool and practical – good for a male friend, brother, etc.

Lastly, we all know the way to a man’s heart – and it involves cooking, chocolate chip cookies are always a good idea, for boyfriends, friends, or family.

Here is the list of products and prices, happy holiday hunting!

1.  iCade from ThinkGeek – $80  |  2. Show tickets – ticketmaster (prices vary)

3. Vintage nintendo from Ebay (prices vary)

4.  USB amp speaker from Urban Outfitters – $24

5.  Swiss army knife from Victorinox Swiss Army - $30

6.  Stainless steel black watch from Fossil – $145

7. Standard backpack from Swiss Army - $50

8.  Portable turntable from Urban Outfitters – $160

9. Chocolate chip cookies! – $10 for ingredients

 

the plan for redecorating my bedroom

By Jo in Uncategorized No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , ,

While others are preparing for the holidays with gifts and shopping, I am thinking about doing a complete purge of my things and redecorating my bedroom.  I know this is what spring cleaning is for, but frankly I don’t want to wait for spring.  Here’s the inspiration, I am going to try and make my own feather art, and I love the glossy red night stand, but I will hunt for the perfect thrifted piece that I can paint.  So for now I will show you the plan, because this will be a work in progress.  I live by water, in an old character building, so it’s important for me to have a calm space with soft colours, especially since the spare room is FULL of all my clothes, shoes, and crafting supplies!  The blue and grey palette is exactly what I want, and I saw this amazing duvet cover on a post from Design Sponge.  Many of the things you see here are from West Elm, the lamp and the knob on the dresser are from Anthropologie, the floral throw pillow is from Urban Outfitters, and the Penguin Classics can be purchased an many different places, but they are the best price on Amazon.  What do you think of my plan?  Do I need anything else?  I love suggestions, so let me know!

no more drab!

By Jo in outfit of the week, Trending No Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

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

faux fur and a maxi skirt

By Jo in Trending No Comments Tags: , , , , , , ,

Trends aren’t completely important to me, my focus is always what is most flattering to my figure, and also what is practical for my lifestyle.  There are moments though, where I am so into the trends out there.  For example the faux fur vest is in again this season, and the maxi skirt (which I sometimes think I’m too petite for, but get the right length and it works!)  The corset belt was more of a last season kind of thing, but again this is where I employ a “dress for your figure” strategy, I prefer something that cinches at the waist, and I always like to add texture, texture, texture!  The only new items I am wearing are the maxi skirt, which was a sale purchase for $40, get it here, and the necklace, which was a purchase from Aldo accessories.  You can get a similar vest from Piperlime, or Urban Outfitters (which is where I got mine last winter).  The long sleeve sweater is literally over 5 yrs old, buy a similar one from Club Monaco.  Lastly the booties are old too, but I think these would work just as well, of not better!  I hope I have inspired you to try some of the trends out there, happy hunting!