3 things: 3 fall trends to love!

So the fall shopping has begun. For some reason, despite the fact that I don't have a "convenient" back-to-school reason to shop anymore once September hits, I still always have a list of needs and wants. Here are 3 items that still top that list right now:

  

1. Coloured Denim

Photos & Prices from Piperlime & American Eagle

a) Paige Denim $179.00  |  b) J Brand $176.00  |  c) American Eagle $44.11

People may have heard me talk about how much I've been in love with J Brand's red jeans over the last couple of months. I hesitated on this purchase just because I couldn't bring myself to spend $176+ on a trend I wasn't entirely sure would last multiple seasons, despite the fact that I love them. I did spring for J Brand's olive cargos for a pricey detail last year, but these are a pant that have already lasted multiple seasons of still being relevant. To solve my indecisiveness over the matter, when American Eagle was having a 40% off sale this past weekend, I came across a red jegging on their website- sold!

Another colour for denim that I can see being popular for fall would be in a burgundy- although you may still have to hand over a larger fee for those too, word on the street says that Joe Fresh will be bringing in a more affordable pair...

2. Tie-Neck Blouses

Photos & Prices from Piperlime

a) Ark & Co. $49.00  |  b) Marc by Marc Jacobs $278.00  |  c) Rachel Zoe $295.00

This style of blouse always makes me think Rachel Zoe therefore I wasn't surprise to see it in her collection for fall! (Despite the fact the it's a big hit for fall, the fact that it's reminiscent of RZ to me is enough to sell me on it.) Although the Marc Jacobs and Rachel Zoe blouses are among my favourite, there are more affordable blouses on Piperlime that I would likely give in to first because they wouldn't be as harmful to my bank account.

  

3. Hiker Booties

Photos & Prices from Piperlime

a) DV by Dolce Vita $89.00  |  b) Enzo Angiolini $139.00  |  c) Lucky Brand $129.00 

Actually, I'm a little torn between the hiker bootie (featured above), riding boots, and motorcycle boots for fall. Frankly, I am just craving a new pair of boots! I'll end up buying them locally though, rather then online. The hiker bootie is incredibly cute though- it mixes rugged and feminine and I like that sort of oxymoron combo- it means you could sport them with jeans, or wear 'em with a skirt or dress! If I don't go for a flat pair of boots this fall, I'll be keeping the heel to a minimum or a wedge- much more practical, thereby increasing my future cost-per-wear!

Alright, now that I've shared a few fall must-haves, I have 2 questions for you:

1. What particular pieces are you excited about this fall?
2. Does anyone (in the Saint John area) want to go in on a Piperlime order with me...? :)

3 things: fall nails

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The last month I`ve been itching to try new shades of polish on my nails. This summer I was leaning more toward oranges, corals, mint, and turquoise, but now that we`re on the verge of fall I`m looking forward to painting with some darker hues!

a) Peridot- Chanel  |  b) Graphite- Chanel  |  c) Essie- Carry on 

Peridot and Graphite are both part of Chanel's Fall 2011 collection: Les Illusions D'ombres de Chanel. I picked up 2 out of the 3 fall nail shades immediately when they became available at Perfumes Plus. I have Peridot on my toes right now! I'm wondering it's a little too early in the season to be a sporting as dark a colour as Graphite- but I can't wait to use the glittery metal shine! 

My third pick recently was from Essie's latest collection: Carry On. This rich burgundy is another shade I'm looking forward to painting my nails with this season.     

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3 things: least fav trends for Fall '11

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Every season there is just one trend, perhaps 2, that I just don't understand. That or it just don't find it attractive or flattering. This summer it was the flatform- though I think that one might have been less popular than last season's heeled clog. While, I'll admit the clog has grown on me and I've warmed up to it, it isn't a fad I felt I ever missed out on. I respect the fact that I've seen many well-put together outfits that have included trends that just personally weren't for me and I will admit some people do manage to rock them! Recently I've seen a few trend reports and emails announcing a few trends for Fall '11 that I'm just not hot on:

1. High-Heel Loafers

Left: Nine West; Right: Boutique 9

Let me start our by saying that this is a look that I can see the right stylish women pulling off- whether it be a certain few bloggers, models in fashion magazines, or even a few local ladies I can think of.

But I just can't get past that fact that they just remind me of the clunky black heeled shoes girls used to wear when I was in grade 7. I love a pretty, well-made loafer, but I just prefer them closer to the ground without the chunky heel. In a particular sense I would only wear this a loafter to work- and in my profession (plus my lack of coordination) heels just don't make the cut. There are other aspects on the mens-inspired trend coming this fall that I can get on board with, but just not the chunky heel loafer. I just don't find them visually pleasing and they are just too casual for what I prefer to wear heels for.

2. Capes/Ponchos

Left: BB Dakota; Right: Ralph Lauren

Again, this is a look that some people will have no problem styling- but I just don't see the poncho as a match for the general public. I feel this is a garment when you have to choose carefully and with the right bottoms, otherwise it may come off a little hobo-ish. The closest I've coming to actually liking this look is Rachel Zoe's Ava knit cape. But this is a woman who always knows how to get it right!

3. PJ-Style Pants

Left: Elizabeth & James; Right: Missoni

I recently received a trend report from Who What Wear in my inbox earlier this month on silky pants and I had to cringe (but to give them credit, I typicall do love their trend predictions!). And along with that I've been seeing pj-like pants and unflattering prints popping up on places like Shopbop- I just don't think these looks are going to work mainstream. There will be the eccentric, creative fashionistas who will pull this off but I just think that overall, wearing these types of pants will have me thinking people just didn't change when they got up for this morning. These could really work as great, cute lounge pants, but outside of the house, I don't think it's for everyone.

Don't worry, fall is just approaching, so there is still plenty of time to talk about what there is to love (and there is lots I'm loving)! What is your take on these 3 coming trends? Perhaps you do like them or have a different perspective on how the general public could style them? Would love to hear your opinions- please, do share!

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3 things: purchases from the inspiration board...

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If you caught my previous posts on my inspiration board, you'll know that I've been tacking up pictures on a bulleton board in my office to keep track of my items most wanted and current/emerging trends. Some of these items are part of the shopping wish-list in the back of my mind. Here are 3 purchases in recent weeks that were inspired by my board...

1. Wrap Bracelet

This friendship-style bracelet comes in a variety of designs and seems to be highly popular right now. It's a cute way to adorn the wrist in a casual-cool fashion. I picked up this purple bracelet with gold beads up from Silver Daisy Designs last week.

2. Nude Framed Sunglasses

I've always been a girl who's had both a pair of black and brown rimmed on hand. These price friendly frames caught my attention today at Joe Fresh while I was replacing a broke pair of black framed sunglasses. After a twitter poll, I decided the sunglasses were in. (Thanks to Kristin, Jess, and Melissa!)

3. Elongated Feather Earring

Browsing the latest ESquared designs in Silver Daisy last month, I fell in love with their feather creations- particularly this purposely mismatched multi-coloured feather earring paired with an oversized faux diamond stud. With the feather earring extending to my shoulder, I can tell you I have gotten a few curious looks wearing this set! You can sort of call it a trial run for my more subtle feather extensions.

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3 things: wish list crushes...

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So as women who love to shop, we typically have a running flow of a wish-list that we'd love to have if money were no object. However, the unlikeliness that we'll win the lottery, marry a millionaire, or find a way to grow money on trees typically keeps us in check. After all, we may need to cloth ourselves and ensure we have good footwear to walk in, but the essentials like shelter, transportation, and food are all real priorities on the must-have list.

Sometimes the impulsive child in me wants everything at once, but she doesn't always get her way since my adult self isn't made of money. Right now the top 3 items on my wish-list are as follows:

1) A pair of cork-heel TOMS wedges

Photo credit: TOMS

It was love at first sight when I saw the red striped wedges on Pretty Shiny Sparkly's blog- I'm really eager to get my hands on these yellow ones! I had already been wanting another pair of TOMS since I bought my first from Je Suis Prest Boutique last month. I'm also crushing on these ash canvas TOMS.

2) A white mens-sized wrist watch

Photo credit: Fossil

I've been meaning to acquire a new watch for some time now- given that I had lost my previous 2 pairs and only have my unattractive sport timex I used for work. It may prove to be functional and essential but doesn't exactly cut it as a fashion accessory. I feel in love with Fossil's pearlized Stella resin watch over the Sears counter the other week but had to use restraint from making an impulse purchase!

3) A custom twitter handle necklace

Photo credit: Survival of the Hippest

In all fairness I realize this one makes me an uber geek. But I'm willing to accept that- twitter has played a big role in how I have branded my blog and social media has made a huge impact on how we network. I see an "@mshopaholic" necklace as my version of the Carrie necklace (Sex & the City).

So what's at the top of your must-have list?

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3 things: make-up basics

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It seems that I'm always runnings late or rushing from one thing to another. I don't always have time to get detailed with my make-up so sometimes I need to prioritize! If I could only pick just 3 things to apply in the morning before I run out the door, I'd have to say these 3 items would be it:

Waterproof Mascara

Long-time wear without the undereye smudges- I always choose a mascara that is waterproof. While I'm not partial to this specific type, Cover Girl's Volume Exact has been the cost-effective choice laying on my dresser lately. 

Bronzer

When your skin is as naturally fair as mine, a little bit of a tan can make a difference! Rimmel's Natural Bronzer is a popular choice among my friends. Under $10 and accessible from almost any drug store, this bronzer comes in a few shade varities, applying fairly and blending fairly evenly. A quick brush across the cheeks, nose, forehead, and under the eyes quickly adds a little colour.

Concealer

This item may be more of an investment, but it is definitely worth the cost. I've tried many concealers to combat and cover-up my undereye circles and this is my favourite product to date! I've been using Chanel's Lift Lumiere since Laura at Perfumes Plus introduced it to me. Another great aspect- it colour corrects. This eye contour concealer only comes in two shades: light and dark, but they work on a wide variety of skin colours! The product applies as a liquid and goes on smooth, effectively covering the desired area without appearing too thick.

If you had to narrow your make-up bag down to only 3 things, which would you choose?

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3 things: where our wedding photos were taken

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Now that life is starting to- relatively- go back to normal and I'm back to blogging, I'm also bringing my Friday feature back into the picture. To bring this week's blog posts to a close and kick off the weekend, I'm going to share with you 3 of the spots we had our wedding photos taken on our big day by photographer Lynette Mason (Mason Photography).

Since we had such an early ceremony at 1pm that Saturday afternoon, that left for plenty of time for photos before the reception at 5:30pm. I was really pleased to say, we actually made it back in plenty of time to greet our guests as they came in the door at the Lily Lake Pavillon- the location where we hosted our dinner and dance.

Here's where we were after the vows and prior to the big party:


1. Outside of Our Lady of the Assumption (Catholic Church, Lower West Saint John)

Photos: Right- Mason Photography; Left- My friend Katie

The photographer also snapped some group photos outside of the church following the ceremony.

2. Martello Tower (Lower West Saint John)

Both photos: Mason Photography

Also taken at this location: family shots at the base of the hill & group photos in front of the actual tower.

3. Uptown Saint John (around Kings Square & random alley off Charlotte Street)

Both photos: Mason Photography

We got some really fun photos uptown: walking along the street, huddled in the alley, climbing on top of stone walls & ledges!

My dress, veil, and hair accessory came from Lockhart's (Sussex). Hair was by Reflections Day Spa, bouquets and boutineers from Sandra Miller Floral Designs (Quispamsis), and make-up was done by Lindsay Thorne Makeup!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday!

 

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3 things: the bachelorette party

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Tomorrow evening is my bachelorette: check out the sneak peek of 3 things I'm wearing to the party!

1. Silver Platforms

2. Necklace

3. White Dress

So excited to spend time with all my girlfriends and I'm especially excited that bestie and MOH Kristen is arriving at the Saint John airport from London tonight!

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3 things: tropical inspired nails

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My favourite nail colours of the moment actually come from 3 different cosmetic brands. Each shade to me has a perfect summer esthetic! Mint green reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream from the Pumpkin Patch, coral makes me think of beautiful tropical flowers, and light turquoise to me, is reminescent of Carribean waters on holiday.

 

1. Gargantuan Green Grape- OPI (Worn here)

2. Peachy- Gosh (Worn here)

3. Turquoise & Caicos- Essie (Worn here)

What nail shades are you loving right now?

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