sunday comfort...

With a snow storm like yesterday, there's nothing I'd prefer to do than curl up in a comfy outfit and hold up indoors with a cup of coffee and a movie, book, or my laptop. When it comes down to putting together a comfortable outfit, nothing beats a long sweater and a pair of leggings. On this particular day, B and I headed out for Starbucks and to run a few errands.

The Outfit  Faux leather jacket: Winners | Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch | Top: American Eagle

Leggings: TNA | Purse: Coach | Boots: Town Shoes | Hat: H&M | Necklace: H&M

Find online: similar leggings, similar jacket, similar hat

Happy Thanksgiving to my American pals! 

floral & fur...

If there's one thing I've learned in the last (almost) 2 years of reading (and writing) fashion and style blogs, it's that being stylish doesn't always have a guaranteed or straight-forward recipe for success. Knowing your body and what you can pull off is an important aspect, but experimenting with different layers, textures, and colour combinations can be a fun exploration because in fashion, sometimes anything goes! (But it doesn't always.)

I've expanded my own personal style from the "shirt + pants + shoes = outfit" formula. I've learned layering pieces and accessorizing is a way to add interest or sophistication to an outfit. I've also learned that sometimes with outfit experimentation comes a hit or a miss.

This fall I've been inspired by other bloggers to up my efforts at finding new and interesting ways of combining and layering different textures.

The Outfit  Skirt (Old Navy) | Top (Jack BB Dakota, Je Suis Prest Boutique)

Sweater (American Eagle) | Necklace (Banana Republic) | Tights c/o We Love Colors

Boots (Born, The Urban Shoe Myth) | Beret (H&M) | Bracelet (Aldo)

I have to say, this beige sweater has been an all-time favourite and go-to of mine over the last few years. It's a nice neutral colour and, well, I love anything with a hood!

I can't believe that the holidays are closing in on us! Although I'm not over-eager enough to have pulled out the Christmas decor just yet, I have started planning what events and parties I'm going to attend. First up: the Urban Glam holiday party hosted by Je Suis Prest Boutique, The Urban Shoe Myth, and Design 4 Space this coming Saturday night (after having a peek at the Santa Claus Parade of course)! 

Will I be seeing you at this Saint John fashion event?

fancy pants...

New Brunswick Fashion Week (NBFW) may have come and gone in a flash, but not my love for coloured denim. I decided to dress these red jeggings up with a blazer from a friends closet for the event.

The Outfit: T-shirt: American Eagle (SJ, Summer '09) | Necklace: Splurge (Halifax, Spring '08)

Jeggings: American Eagle (ordered online, Sept '11) | Earrings: Esquared- Silver Daisy (SJ, July '11)

Heels: Steve Madden- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Mar '11)

 With so many events over the last few weeks, I scouted my friend Katie's closet to tid me over from being tempted to buy new items. This blazer and an H&M blouse were the items she kindly lent me before she headed off for a the long weekend in New York City. It seems many people I know have just been getting back or heading off to NYC. At dinner at my parents house tonight my sister tells me she randomly ended up staying at the Empire Hotel (think: Gossip Girl) through Hotwire and spotted Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Ed Westwick filming in the lobbly. (Majorly jealous!) 

fall footwear...

It's been an extremely busy week in Saint John! With Fashion Forward, New Brunswick Fashion Week, and a Fashion Council Saint John (FCSJ) meeting all in one calendar week, that provides much material to share and blog about! I have a lot to report on next week following all these events (so stay tuned).

The Outfit T-shirt: H&M (TO, Sept '10) | Vest: Gentle Fawn- Je Suis Prest (SJ, Sept '11)

Jeans: 7 for all Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11) | Bracelet: ESquared- Silver Daisy (SJ, June '11)

Necklaces: American Eagle (SJ, Fall '08) & Banana Republic (Freeport, Nov '10)

Boots: Michael Kors- The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Sept '11) | Hair feather- Winners (SJ, Sept '11)

This outfit was a casual one I threw on last Saturday for a coffee date and shopping uptown with friends. As per the blog post title, these booties mark my first purchase for fall footwear this year! These wedge Michael Kors were worth the splurge- not only are the versatile and perfect for the transitional weather, as a wedge they are really supportive and comfortable.

Coming up next week: the Saint John Blogger Meet-up and Sex & The City Soiree fundraiser.

denim on denim...

A new take of denim on denim: a chambray shirt with coloured jeggings. Premium denim companies seemed to bust out the coloured denim trend, but now there are an assortment of bright hued jeans and jeggings, at varyng price points, out there on the market. A chambray shirt is classic- just like a jean jacket, pair of black pumps, or the LBD...just like the jean jacket: this button-up is any easy go-to that you'll find in almost any fashion-blogger's closet. This particular one was a cost-effective find at H&M this summer.
 

The Outfit: Denim shirt: H&M (Moncton, Aug '11) | Shoes: Aldo (Moncton, Aug '11)

Bracelets: Aldo Accessories (Moncton, Aug '11) | Jeggings: American Eagle (online, Sept '11)

Necklace: Dogeared- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Mar '10)

This outfit I wore to a recent double-date dinner with B and some friends. During the day I sported the chambray top with a pair of khakis for work and then I switched in the bright red jeggings to add some pop for an evening out!  

seeing red...

As many of you may know, I had been in love with J Brand's red jeans...however, I couldn't quite part with the $176 + shipping over a pair of pants I wasn't entirely sure I'd wear over multiple seasons. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, American Eagle was one of the first more affordable brands that had the solution. I wasn't able to find these pants in-store because I believe they are only being carried online and in their flagship stores. (FYI...earlier this week I saw that Old Navy is also carrying red denim directly in-store.)

I was initially quite disappointed with my purchase. When my package arrived on the doorstep, I excitedly tried on the red American Eagle jeggings only to find out they fit at least 1 size smaller than their regular jeggings! I solved this dilemma by stuffing them and stretching them over the back of the chair...and then they fit much better the following day.

Popularity of coloured denim is gradually taking off this fall as many brands have introduced jeans and jeggings in multiple hues. (I'm now coveting Free People's denim skinnies in emerald and voilet!)

The Outfit: Jeggings: American Eagle (online, Sept '11)  | Shoes: Aldo (online, Oct '10) 

Tank: American Eagle (Fredericton, Winter '07) 

Earrings: Esquared- Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)

Hoodie: Alternative Apparel, Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, July '11)

Sheer animal print top: BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '11)

As you may have noticed in these pictures, gone is my assymetrical bob. As much as I enjoyed the style for a few short months, I really needed an even cut for styling symplicity. When it comes to my hair, I want something that is stylish, but quick and easy. Hence why I go with a beachy/bedhead look- it only takes 5 minutes to style in the morning!

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...? :)

labour day sales...

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It seems everytime there is a long weekend, all online shops seem to be tempting us  with savings that are pretty hard to resist. Labour day weekend is no exception. My inbox has been filling up with sale notices since Friday! Since I can't possible afford to take advantage of them all, I thought I'd share them with you...

• Aerie: 40% off plus free shipping with discount code "28678011"
• Aldo- 10% off all shoes and free shipping plus an extra 25% off sale items
• Alternative Apparel- 20% off all tanks with promo code "TANK20"
• American Eagle- 40% off plus free shipping with discount code "28678011"
• Club Monaco- 30% off already reduced merchandise  
• Gap- up to 40% off (and free shipping every day)
• H&M- print coupon to get 25% off  one pair of pants or jeans (Expires 18/09/11)
• Kensie- get 40% off everything with code "FALLINLOVE"
• LuLu's- an extra 25% off all sale items with discount code "25onSALE"
• Steve Madden- save 30% off with code "FALL30"

 So if you feel like doing a little shopping, hop to it, because most of these discounts end tonight!

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getting ready for fall...

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Of all my favourite labels, I have to say it's BB Dakota that I can't get enough of this fall! The colour palatte, prints, and garment shapes are all very flattering. So far, I've invested in 3 pieces, with one on the way from Shopbop, and I've still got my eye on at least 2 more! Slowly BB Dakota is taking over my closet. This sheer animal print top, which is perfect for layering, as been great for the humid summer days and will stay within my fall and winter wardrobe with an added sweater or long sleeve top.

The Outfit 

• Sheer top: BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '11)
• Tank top: American Eagle (Fredericton, Winter '07)
• Shorts: Old Navy (SJ, July '11)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (ordered online, July '11)
• Necklace: came with Maison Scotch tee- Envy (SJ, May '11)
• Leather bracelet: ESquared- Silver Daisy (SJ, July '11)

Mid-July I mentioned my favourite colour picks for my fall wardrobe. Those choices were definitely influenced by it still being summer, but are still applicable, as this fall trends indicate it's going to be a mix of bright colours and beautiful neutrals! However, with fall now creeping up on us, I've had a couple other colours that are catching my eye. Some of the fall lines I'm seeing online and in-store have me interested in red, rust and similar spicy colours, indigo and navy blues, burgundy, pine and kelly greens.  

Have you started buying for fall yet? What colours are you being drawn toward for Fall `11?

 

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colour splash...

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One of my latest BB Dakota purchases, this item actually may date back to their Spring collection I believe. I've spent a little time here and there in St. Andrews over the last couple of weeks and happened to find this colourful tank at the Leather House.

However, I do have some new Fall '11 BB Dakota items to share as well (as quickly previewed in last week's post for Je Suis Prest's Fall Launch Party). I finally will be able to say I have a trench coat within my closet (long overdue).

The Outfit

• Tank: BB Dakota- Leather House (St. Andrews, July '11)
• Sweater: American Eagle (SJ, Sept '08)
• Skinny jeans: 7 For All Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)
• Espadrilles: Steve Madden- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, June '11)
• Purse: Coach (ordered online, May '11)
• Necklace: unknown

I took this week off to relax, refresh, and get organized. And I'm hoping for some good weather to take advantage of since our summer days are sadly numbered! (Where did the time fly?) On my to do list this week: our wedding photos are also finally ready to be picked up- so excited to look through them! 

 

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crop top...

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One trend that has come back this summer has been the 90's crop top- but with its own twist of course. Unfortunately this is a tricky look to pull off and not flattering at all. I'm not in the tip top shape I want to be (but I'm working on it!) so belly-baring tops are off the table for me. The twist to wearing a crop top this summer is to pair it with a high waisted pant in order to allow more women to pull this look off and look good doing it- the idea isn't to try and bare a lot of skin. Less is more!

Where top crops tend to be flowy, this look doesn't tend to look good with my body type, they stop right at the widest part of my body- my hips and cover up my more narrow waist. On the end, I look wider and boxy: not flattering.

But with the crop top below, I just loved the pattern and decided I'd wear it with a pair of jean shorts as a beach cover-up. Then, I got the idea of belting it with a high-waisted skirt to keep it modest but also work with my body's curves.

The Outfit

• Crop top- American Eagle (SJ, July '11)
• Skirt- American Apparel (Halifax, April '07)
• Belt: Eddie Bauer (Moncton, August '06)
• Necklace: Banana Republic (Freeport, Nov '10)
• Hat: Gap (Moncton, July '11)
• Scarf around hat: Coach (Toronto, Sept '08)
• Espadrilles: Steve Madden- The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, June '11)

Sometimes we have to remember that all trends aren't going to flatter all body types (I know I've stayed clear of a few myself)- or you can transform or modify them to make them your own! The most important thing is knowing what you feel comfortable it and knowing what looks good on you! Just like it's never truly one size fits all, it's never should be one look suits all.

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