Quote Day....

I have to admit with my closets in need of some re-organizing, this quote made me feel better for putting it off for a while longer!

Karl Lagerfeld

Chambray Shirts

A big trend this year is the Chambray Shirt. Goes with anything, wear it with jeans untucked or with a skirt tucked in. Can be worn on a cool night in the summer with shorts or under a blazer in the winter. This one is my favourite, love the striped detail on the collar and cuffs, and it is super soft, found it at Winners for $20!

Pashmina's

I am ALWAYS cold! It could be the middle of summer and chances are I would be chilly. So when Pashmina's became popular, I could finally get some warmth. My collection has grown over the past few years as there are so many options that can be worn all year round. A light floral can be worn with a tee in the middle of the summer, a heavier knit can be added to a long sleeve button up shirt for the fall or a thick wool blend can be worn with your leather jacket in the winter. So many options!! A Pashmina can take a plain outfit and completely transform it. I have dedicated a drawer in my closet to Pashmina's, but as I am already having a hard time fitting them all in, I may have to expand.

Jean Jackets

Some things in fashion seem to be constant. One of those is the "Jean Jacket". Sure it has been re-invented many times over the past few decades and I'm sure it will continue to be updated many more times. Most of us own one, and hopefully it is not the acid wash variety or like my husband had tucked away, one with a flag on the back??? Hopefully it is a classic cut that can still be worn. This one is at least 10 years old, and here are 3 ways I like to wear it.

My UGG Debate

The first time I saw someone wearing them I thought they were the ugliest boots I had ever seen. Sure they looked great on celebrities who wore them with jean shorts in L.A. but I swore I would never wear them. A couple of years ago my husband called me from Costco to tell me that swarms of women were grabbing at these boxes of boots they had just put out, so having good insight, he grabbed a box in my size and called me right away. They were Uggs. I told him I didn't think I would wear them, but he said "your always cold and these look warm". So here I am to say that I LOVE my Uggs. Do I still think they are ugly?? Well..... a little, but are they the most comfortable warm things I have ever had the pleasure of putting on my feet? YES. So I guess the morale of my story is Never say Never when it comes to fashion.

Capris in the Fall/Winter?

I remember the days when my Mom would declare it was time to pack away all of our summer clothes and bring out the winter ones. These days are long gone and I find myself able to wear a lot of my clothes year round. Makes much more economical sense when deciding on purchasing an item if I know I can wear it regardless of the season. Of course I won't be wearing tank tops and flip flops come December, however, there are ways to extend your favourite items long past it's season. An example are my black capris, love the way they fit and they are so comfortable. Here's how I transition them from summer to winter. Same capris, same tee!

Coloured Purses

A big myth a lot of women believe is that they should only buy either black or brown purses. This as well as a belief that your purse should match your outfit.  These are both false. There are so many options today of beautiful coloured purses. Gone are the days that you need to be well matched, rather add a punch of colour where ever you can get it.  If you are in the market for a new bag why not try something red, green or blue? Here is a picture of the last purse I bought and use all of the time.

Quote Day

It's Sunday again.....means it is quote day. Here is one that I wish all little girls would be taught early on in life. Confidence is way more important than anything else.

Mascara

I certainly do not consider myself a beauty junkie and would much rather buy clothes than make-up. I do however, have a few things I could not go without. Top of my list is my "Great Lash" Maybelline Mascara. This mascara has been around for more than 40 years and is always listed as a favourite to many of the top make-up artists. I have tried many different brands over the years and always come back to this one. It also happens to be under $7 and available in most drug stores.

The White Shirt

Another staple "must have" that I believe should be in everyone's closet is a white button down shirt. There are hundreds of different versions of the white shirt, but a classic, simple crisp one works the best. This is also an item that can be worn all year round regardless of the changing seasons.
Here are two ways I wore one (I have a few!!) of mine.

Make a Statement

Have you ever stood in front of your closet and said "I have nothing to wear", If your like 90% of women I'm sure you have. Why not throw on a pair of your favourite  jeans or black leggings a plain top and then add a statement piece. This can be a bold necklace or belt, something that will pop. One of my favourites is my multi coloured necklace. I wore it with dark jeans, black tank top and heels. Your statement piece is what makes an outfit. Just make sure you are only wearing one at a time!

Brrrrrrrrr.....

Even though the sun was shining today, the temperature outside seems to have dropped and I was feeling chilly. The thought of not being able to wear summer clothes anymore this year does not make me happy. I started thinking of ways to transition summer clothes into the fall,  getting you the most bang for your buck. Here is one example.


Black and White Striped Dress with Sandals.

Throw on a cardigan, pashmina, tights and boots.

NYC Fashion Week - Spring 2013

Last week was NYC's Fashion week for Spring 2013, wish I could have gone! I know I should be talking about the fall / winter trends but as everyone knows I wish Winter never existed, so on this very rainy day I am going to rather list 5 trends for Spring 2013. Here's hoping Winter goes quickly!

             1. Sandal Boots

Altuzarra
www.flare.com

2. Sixties inspired
                               

Dian Von Furstenberg
www.flare.com

           3. Stripes

J. Crew
www.flare.com

     4. Summer Leather

Jason Wu
www.flare.com

       5. Digital Prints    

Michael Kors
www.flare.com

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits were very popular back in the 70's and have made a huge comeback over the last couple of years. I finally broke down and bought one earlier this summer. This first time I tried it on at home my 7 year old son asked me why I was dressed in a clown suit? Didn't do much for my confidence but I figured what did he know about fashion?
I know it is early to be thinking about Christmas, but I think a dressy jumpsuit may be a great alternative to wear to all those Christmas parties.
Here is a pic of mine. (minus the clown shoes!)

Quote Day

As it is Sunday and I am not an overly religious person, I have decided to dedicate all Sunday's to "Quote" Day. I am that person who is forever reciting some quote I've heard or read, and while a lot of my friends find it corny I think there are so many amazing quotes out there that I feel the need to share.
So here is my first "Sunday Quote".

Gift Lounge

When I was downtown T.O for Tiff, I was on my way to the car when I walked by a L'Oreal Gift Lounge. I got in line with all the other curious women not quite sure what it was all about but let's face it if it's free of course I'm going to take 10 minutes to wait in line and figure out why.
I got to experience a small (very small) taste of what it would be like to be one of those celebrities who get to frequent "Gift Lounges". This one in particular had free manicures ( which I would have loved but didn't want to wait in the 20 minute line) and a display of products, hair care, lipsticks, eye shadows, nail polish and even a men's section. You were allowed to choose any one product. Since I was not expecting this I went outside of what I would normally choose and picked a lipstick (which I never wear - I'm more of a lip gloss kinda girl). I must say I was pleasantly surprised, granted the shade is Nude, but I will definitely be wearing this daily!

Madonna!

I am definitely a by product of the 80's. I grew up wearing leg warmers, neon tee's, rubber bracelets, shoulder pads and yes I even crimped my hair! Molly Ringwald was my idol and in grade 7,  I won our class Madonna look a like contest wearing a scarf in my short hair, mesh tank top and tons of jewellery. So when I had the chance to attend the Madonna concert last night after waiting many many years I embraced the opportunity with open arms. It was a fantastic concert, and while I left the dressing up to others, here is what I wore......

Pintrest

So I have been addicted to Pintrest lately and came across an amazing tip. It so happens that the tip comes from one of my fashion icon's website. I am in love with Olivia Palermo's sense of style and her ability to always look amazing. Thought I would pass this tip on to you.

Instead of plastering your feet with strategically placed band-aids, prevent blisters before they happen (I mean clearly, we’re not going to stop wearing the sky high heels of our footwear dreams).  Clear deodorant, rubbed on areas of the feet prone to blistering, will ensure that you’ll spend the summer band-aid free!
www.oliviapalermo.com

TIFF

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to score some tickets to TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) to see a matinee show called "To The Wonder" starring Ben Affleck. While I can certainly appreciate the cinematography of the movie, I just did not enjoy this film. At one point I am pretty sure I did the head bob as I tried to keep my eyes open and focussed on the movie. What I did enjoy was the Buzz of the city and a great dinner afterwards.
Here is what I wore.......

Girls Night Out

Friday night was "Girls night out". My friend called and asked if I wanted to go downtown to see some live music and go dancing afterwards. I was definitely up for it, the catch was I had to be ready for 5pm and it was getting close to 4pm! Dress code for the venue was "Stylish". What exactly does that mean?? After doing a quick scan of my closet here is what I came up with.

Little Black.....Blazer

I know most people can't live without their little black dress, and I agree it is a definite staple that should be in everyone's closet. What I wear way more than my LBD is my little black BLAZER! There are probably around 10 things I could not live without in my closet and this is one of them.
I have attached 3 ways I love to wear it (all the same blazer). Week-end look, Office look and Date night look. If you don't already have this in your closet, I would be sure to invest in one!

Shamballa Bracelet

Last night I was at an amazing fundraiser, "Journey for Jacob" benefitting Sick Kids Cancer Clinic and Pediatric Cancer Research. During the silent auction I bid on an won a Swarovski Shamballa bracelet. Shamballa bracelets have become popular in the last few years with celebrities and are known to symbolize vitality, love, inner strength, power, mind and balance. I am hoping that every time I wear this it will send all of the love and strength to Jacob and his family along with the many children battling Cancer. 

Feeling Blue.....

Nail polish that is. I've spent the summer in mostly pinks and oranges and usually around this time of year I bring out the darker shades of reds, plums and burgandys. This time however, I'm trying something completely different. "Blue it" by Sally Hansen.  Check it out www.sallyhansen.com I picked this one up at Walmart for only $2.77.
If you don't want to take any risk in your wardrobe, why not try experimenting with nail polish?

My Fashion Philosophy

So I have always believed that everyone can look amazing without having to spend a ton of money. That is probably the one thing that would describe my fashion philosophy more than anything else. There is nothing better than going on a treasure hunt and finding amazing pieces without having to take out a 2nd mortgage. Now of course there are times when I do splurge (Hello... Michael Kors!!) but almost everything I wear I manage to find at a reasonable price.
Now everyone that knows me knows that I live for the summer. It is my favourite time of the year and I wish everyday was Hot Hot Hot, but having said that I am a wee bit excited for the Fall. The only reason......my new boots!
I recently purchased 3 pairs of boots - I know a bit excessive but ALL of them were on Sale!
Bring on the leaves.......

Nine West Vintage Collection Boots

The Beginning....

I recently hit a milestone birthday (ok so it was last year but I am still coping with it!) When my husband asked me what I wanted there was really only one answer. This gift would not only benefit me but my husband would reap ongoing reward from it as well. You see for years he has complained of our bursting at the seams closet. My clothes, purses, shoes and accessories had slowly taken over and his half was slowing turning into less than a quarter. So my gift, turning my small office into a dressing room or simply a closet was a win win for both of us.
The outcome was pure joy, I can literally sit in this room, smile and be happy doing absolutely nothing. I do not claim to be a professional, however, if I could eat sleep and dream about fashion and all things related I would. This is how this blog was created. I have spent hours pouring over other people's blogs and have found so much inspiration that I thought I would share some of my trials and tribulations with all things fashion. I'll start with the before and after of my "Closet".

Before the Make-Over.

After the Make-Over.

Stay tuned for more.........