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?

urban rancher...

I'm always trying different looks and remixing items from my closet- but aside from the visual appeal of an outfit, the most important factor is always comfort! It may not be fancy or appropriate for a cocktail party, but I can go out for a coffee date with a friend or curl up on my couch and type up a blog post wearing this ensemble.

A year ago when I took on 30 for 30 challenge posed by Kendi Everyday I learned that it's how you mix and match elements and how you accessorize that can make your wardrobe go further- it's not actually dependent on how many items are hanging in your closet. Essentially, the accessorizes (hat, scarf, necklace, earrings, bracelets, belt..) can totally change the vibe of an outfit and making sure you combine at least 3 items (i.e. top + vest + bottoms or dress + belt + coloured tights + statement necklace) in an ensemble that can bring an outfit from plain to stylish.

The Outfit  Shearling vest (Gentle Fawn, Je Suis Prest) | Jeggings (Guess, Envy) 

Shirt (similiar): Joe Fresh | Boots: Born- Urban Shoe Myth

Bracelet (ESquared, Silver Daisy Designs)

This shearling vest from Je Suis Prest Boutique has to be one of my favourite versatile items to remix. And speaking of Je Suis Prest, if you're local, have you heard about their Urban Glam Party coming up on Saturday, November 19? They're pairing up with The Urban Shoe Myth (and Design 4 Space) to showcase Saint John's exciting fashions and shoes for the upcoming holidays all while supporting a great cause in the Coverdale Centre for Women. Tickets go on sale for $30 today- and I anticipate they'll be sold out very soon because I do believe the max number is 150! Hop into Je Suis Prest Boutique or The Urban Shoe Myth to get your tickets ASAP! 

Will I be seeing you at the Urban Glam Party?

what's in my fridge...

 So earlier this week I had the first opportunity to wear my new Born boots I purchased after winning The Urban Shoe Myth gift certificate in a silent auction at the Silver Daisy soiree and fashion show last Friday! I ended up saving $30 on my boots (that were already on lay away)! In the end, all the money went to a great cause (Hospice of Greater Saint John).

Earlier this week I got an email from one of HERE magazine's writers to be featured in their "What's for Supper" column. I wanted to be doubly sure they knew I was no culinary master and that I write about putting outfits together (not grand meals)- afterall, my biggest dietary staple is probably actually caffeine.

Laura at Perfumes Plus was kind enough to grab a copy of this issue for me. And while this is the truth about what's in my fridge- don't be fooled- I wish I ate as healthy as this sounds, but I do have a rule that no junk food is allowed to be on the grocery list or come home with me so that certainly helps! 

The Outfit  Dress: Pink Martini- Je Suis Prest (SJ, Sept '11) | Tights: c/o We Love Colors (Feb '11)

Vest: H&M (Moncton, Aug '11) | Belt: Old Navy (SJ, Aug '11) | Earrings: Joe Fresh (SJ, Oct '11) | Bangles: Aldo (Moncton, Aug '11) | Boots: Born- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Oct '11)

Happy Friday all! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

blogiversary!

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So today, March 28, marks one year (and 253 posts) since I started this blog! While I feel like I've been doing this for so much longer, at the same time, the last year has gone by so quickly! I started my blog as a form of self expression based on my personal style and only expected a small number of people who knew me might occasionally read it. Now with anywhere from 250-450 visitors a day, I'm extremely flattered you all take the time to read my posts!

I thought about dressing up or wearing fancy heels for my anniversary post, but it's been such a busy week and I just went with the flow: which is typically the way I design and publish my posts to this blog. About a week ago, I received word that I had won the Joe Fresh giveaway most recently hosted by Rebecca of Along The Shore. The green scarf was a part of that package I received later last week and I decided to wear it as a part of the casual outfit I put on yesterday to run typical Sunday afternoon errands with B. (Thanks Rebecca!)

I chose this back drop for a bit of a symbolic reason: as I mentioned in my Saint John Cut post, the city has played a significant role in my blog over the past year. This blog is based on the expression of my personal style but also about what's going on and what I've been doing in our country's oldest city. When I was in my late teens/early twenties, I couldn't wait to move on and see the world. And now, honestly (in an interesting turn of events) I'm exactly where I want to be.

Saint John may be small, but it's got culture and charm: there's always something happening. It's small enough that you feel like you know everybody, but large enough that you're always meeting new people. There's a real sense of community here: and it's one I enjoy being apart of.

The Outfit

• Sweater: H&M (Toronto, Sept '10)
• Scarf: Joe Fresh (giveaway prize, Mar '11)
• Jeggings: Guess- Envy (SJ, Dec '10)
• Shoes: Born- Style Sense (Toronto, Sept '08)

I want to thank you for the support over the last year: you've all been wonderful and I could never have forseen the type of reception I've gotten. I appreciate your comments, your "likes", and your follows. This is just the beginning because I have even bigger and better things coming up for you guys!

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