baby it's cold outside...

I don't think I've ever paired this top with bottoms other than a pair of leggings- just because of it's long, loose fitting nature. I try to fit loose tops with form fitting bottoms, just to have some shape to the ensemble. But since I've got a number of outfits left in the remix of 30 days, I am going to have to try something other than the usual formula to strength 30 items into 30 outfits!

That's one good point to this challenge I've been embarking on with 336 other bloggers that Kendi Skeen of Kendi Everyday started and arranged. The challenge of making your items stretch in your imagination and coming up with other combos and outfits that you may not have put together before: stretching outside the usual and still being stylish!

The Outfit

(Faux) leather jacket- La Classe Couture- Winners (Toronto, Sept '10)

Top- 03 Everly- Pseudio (SJ, Oct '10) 

Black leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Booties- Aldo (Toronto, Sept '10)

Belt- Le Chateau (Halifax, Nov '07)
Long-sleeve tee- H&M (Toronto, Sept '10)
Necklace- Anne Marie Chagnon (Montreal, June '09)


The first...well, second...snow this season (the first occured very late on Halloween night and melted as the sun came up) I grabbed my camera and tripod, deciding it would be a good idea to catch the flurries in my outfit photo. I feel this outfit lacks a little creativity...perhaps a belt, but it was just one of those days where I needed to be out of the house quickly and the top priority I required of my outfit was comfort- my job often has me sitting on the floor, climbing under things; so really, a restricting outfit in anyway isn't practical. I wished I could wear more dresses and skirts day to day, but for the same reasons that doesn't really work out either! (Hence while I wittled my selection down to just one dress for my 30 items).

The Outfit

Military shirt- Mango (Toronto, June '10)

T-shirt- American Eagle (SJ, Oct '10)

Cords- American Eagle (

Shoes- Aldo (Halifax, Sept '10)

Necklace- Charm Diamond Center (gifted from B, May '10)

Can't believe this marks the last day on November! Since the Holidays draw closer, Ive converted my shopping wishlist (see the tabs at the top of the page) into my Christmas wish list!

multipattern harmony..

So I'll admit, I've sort of bended the rules for the 30 for 30 challenge.  I realized a few flaws in my choices that was making it difficult to maximize my 30 items to their full potential. I've decided to swap out a few items- but only because they have not been worn to date....so technically, I still won't be wearing more than 30 items in 30 days! So I hope this might remedy my offense...

I have a hard time committing to clothing selections in advance- just ask anyone who has seen my packing. Disaster. So the problems I have encountered: I threw in a pair of wedges and a pair of cage heels into my 6 picks for shoes, but as much as I love heals- I don't wear them day to day because they are not practical for my job. (Hence why you are always seeing me in those black flats!) I've traded them both in for 2 pairs of flats:

And the pink dress with black knit overlay: I forgot how short it was and it just has not been a practical choice for day to day wear! It does look super cute with pink pantyhose and a long sleeved black tee under neath, but unfortunately not appropriate for day to day. I swapped it with another dress than is easily paired with leggings:

I have to admit, the 30 for 30 is really making me miss other items from my closet! I no longer take my extended wardrobe for granted, that's for sure! And now, without further delay, I give you my next outfit as part of the 30 for 30:

The Outfit:

Dress- Buttons- Francesca (Portland, Nov '10)

Sweater- Dynamite (gifted from Katie)

Leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Pest Boutique (SJ, Oct '10)

Shoes- Michael Kors- StyleSense (Toronto, Sept '08)

Necklace- Forever21 (Portland, Nov '10)

I have to admit, my black leggings have become a little thinner for wear and I am definitely going to need thicker ones for the weather! I'm looking for a pair with quality thickness in the material as well as a thicker waist band. If you could leave a comment as to where you've gotten your favourite leggings from, I'd really appreciate the suggestions!

the exception...

When I signed on for the 30 for 30 Fashion Challenge, I stated my one exception to following the complete set of rules: I planned to follow the shopping band except on the day of the states shopping trip I had previously planned with my sister and Mom. Yet, I wanted to take part in the challenge when Kendi was asking who wanted to participate in the 30 for 30. So here was my compromise I stated in my disclaimer: if anything was to be purchased on that date, it could not be worn until the 30 days have past.

So it was this past Thursday that I got up before the crack of dawn, picked up my sister from her apartment and met our parents to head down across the border to shop in Freeport and Portland, Maine. I started my morning with a thermos of Starbucks VIA instant coffee- it was early enough that I couldn't stop and pick up a latte- my alarm went off at 5am precisely. We hit up the outlet stores in Freeport and then headed down to Portland to the mall and TJ Maxx. I didn't get home and in the door until after 3am and it was 4am before I was asleep. This intense almost-23 hour shopping extrazaganza threw me off track and that's why I've been a little behind in blog posts, and well, sleep.

I assure you,  I've continued to take outfit pictures each day so it's just a matter of doubling up on post content to catch up!

So, back to outfit number 5 of 30: what did I wear for that really long day of shopping?

The Outfit

Faux leather jacket- Winners (Toronto, Sept '10)

Grey knit sweater- In Wear- Peepshow Girly Boutique (Halifax, Spring '08)

Spotted Top- 03Everly- Pseudio (SJ, Oct '10)

Black leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Booties- Aldo (Toronto, Sept '10)

Necklace- Splurge (Halifax, May '08)

I have to admit- these are not exactly the best pictures of me...but it was after 3am and I had been napping in the car for the last stretch of the drive! With this outfit, you have comfort- good for sitting in a car for a long drive- as well as layers- good for walking between indoors/outdoors when walking shop to shop. 

I'll share so of my finds from the shopping trip in an upcomming post! 

biker chic

Yesterday afternoon I headed uptown to meet Katie, sip on a Starbucks latte, and then set off on a browsing venture of the clothing racks in Pseudio and Je Suis Prest Boutique. I was on a mission to find an animal print tank or t-shirt, with little luck. I am a bit surprised that I've scoured the shops of Saint John and haven't come up with much given that animal prints are on trend right now. But I have to admit, we're seeing them mostly in accessories (scarves, shoes, etc.) or in the form of faux fur coats and vests. I just had a desire to pair my new Paige skinny cargos with some feline-esque stripes or spots. Instead, I settled for another cute top from Pseudio, to be featured in an upcoming post.

The Outfit

Faux leather jacket- Winners (Toronto, Sept '10)

Long grey tee- Abercrombie (New Hampshire, April '09)

Black leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Black and gold skinny belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Oct '10)

Black wedge booties- Aldo (Toronto, Sept '10)

Gold chain headband- Club Monaco (Halifax, July '10)

Black leather purse- Coach (Toronto, Sept '10)

The reason I chose this particular ensemble- the cotton pieces make it oh so comfy but the leather (real and not) give it a bit of edge to dress it up a bit. 

dancing in the street...

B has been sick the last few days so I haven't made him stray far from the house to take my outfit photos. But to shake things up (within the limitations) I decided to take it to the street for this post! I wore this outfit to a meeting at the clinic.

The Outfit

Tweed blazer- United Colors of Bennetton (Bermuda, Oct '09)
Camel pants: H&M (Toronto, Sept '10)
Brown tank: American Eagle (Fredericton, Sept '05)
Coral short-sleeved sweater- Artzia (Toronto, Sept '08)
Feather necklace- H&M (Toronto, June '10)
Brown oxfords- Aldo (Halifax, Sept '10)

(From further away, it appears that the beiges of the blazer and pants clash more than match. But if you look upclose, in the pattern on the blazer you'll subtly see both the camel as well as red.)

The seasonal change of colour in the leaves is something I want to include in upcomming outfit photos. I've started to notice the otherwise green leaves have officially started to transform into brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. It's a beautiful sight, but it's somewhat bittersweet since it means we'll soon have no leaves at all!

fur fancy...

Tonight I went to Brunswick Square's fall fashion show, which was to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Saint John. Combine fall clothing from participating retailers, dessert, and some Starbucks coffee and you have a smashing event! Tonight was an opportunity to wear my Jack faux fur vest from Je Suis Prest Boutique for the first time.

And that's the fog that the flash picked up...

so the rest of the photos were shot inside.

The Outfit

 

• Faux fur vest- Jack- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Sept '10)
• Grey sweater- H&M (Toronto, Sept '10)
• Black leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Dec '08)
• Black leather purse- Coach (Toronto, Sept '10)
• Black belt- Winners (Toronto, Sept '08)
• Black booties- Aldo (Toronto, Sept '10)

The Coach purse, H&M grey sweater, and Aldo booties are all purchases from my weekend in Toronto (and some of the things they were in the bags you saw from my post yesterday)!

The Coach purse is the Kristin hobo bag- I had chosen this bag because it can be carried in the hand, over the shoulder, or cross body. I went with black because, believe it or not, I do not own a single black purse and, for obvious reasons, it was the practical choice. I would have to say the Kristin Collection is my favourite line from Coach because of their solid colours and sleek, soft leather exteriors.

I picked up a few other simple basics from H&M to accompany the grey sweater- all 4 items came to (taxes in) $87 and some odd cents. That's the allure of H&M for me: the ability to shop in bulk and not break the bank! Their clothing is low cost but (most of it) doesn't appear cheap. Normally I'd spend the extra money for a t-shirt that is high quality, but why do it when you don't have to?

Grey sweater: $17.95

Black long sleeved tee: $14.95

Nude v-neck tee: $9.95

Straight leg beige pants: $34.95

The Aldo booties were a later purchase in the weekend. I had to demonstrate some sense of responsiblity and be certain I had not drained my account before I committed to these cute, but comfy wedge ankle boots. I initially thought I wanted a pair of ankle boots with a lower cut front and narrow medium heel, but after trying these babies on, I was sold. They were more comfortable and therefore they'd likely generate a beneficial cost per wear and I'd get more bang for my buck that way!

 Tomorrow: look for my next post that will feature my edited photos from tonight's fashion show!

friday afternoon's mission...

So I just got off the plane from Toronto a couple of hours ago, bringing new fabulous clothes and photo-evidence of what a great time I had! I also have much material for new blog posts this week!

From my last post, you can see that I spent my morning on Friday in Starbucks blogging and keeping up with business on my lap top in downtown Toronto.

That's a replacement carmel machiatto after having spilt the entire

contents of the first all over the floor. Those who know me, will not

find this surprising.

Noontime rolls around, and I scoot up to the 16th floor to catch Kristen for lunch and we meet up with her friend of hers, Nazanin. We headed over to Jack Astor's hoping to grab a patio seat, but being a beautiful and sunny day, others were in a similar mind-set so we opted for the quicker, indoor, option.

On our table:

Have you seen the movie yet?

The girls went back to the office and I embarked on my new mission: covering the Eaton Center before Kristen gets off work! I managed to cover a mall containing over 230 shops, retaurants and services in full in 2 1/2 hours (I spent the first 1/2 hour somehow getting lost on my short voyage there). I walked fast, and with a purpose!

I cruised through H&M first. I loved this very feminine section of neutrals

and soft pinks. I wanted to try items on, but the line for the dressing room

 was looong (we're talking 30+ people...)

Spotted: a cute pair of modest heeled sandals in pink

and brown at Aldo. I decided to wait and see.

I spotted pretty white sundresses in Aerie, but none felt like what I was looking for.

First piece I tried on was in Armani Exchange. I loved the

colour of this citrus orange dress, but decided to hold off to

see if I found anything I would like better.

I loved these Nine West bright coral pumps at Town Shoes.

On sale for $89.99

Major sales encountered in French Connection.

Trying on a coral top with a black skirt.

As always, cute colours and some girly silhouettes at Aritzia

In Little Burgundy I saw the peacock Havaianas (circled above)

that I had been loving for the last couple months.

I met Kristen when she got off work and then we hopped on the subway

and grabbed a seat at Beer Bistro for appetizers and a Fruli (strawberry

beer) with our friend Cynthia! (who I had gone to grad school with at Dal)

Stayed tuned for the next blog post: I'll disclose what I actually bought that afternoon!