gift guide for her

By now most people are full into their holiday shopping (I've even heard a select few say they are actually finished!) I actually haven't even started. Well compared to the last few years, this might have me concerned, I remember as a student I used to leave my Christmas shopping until after exams, not even making my list prior to the 20th.

I am always committed to getting my friends and family gifts that I know they will love and use. The most important thing to me is getting something I know they will appreciate. I've been out browsing the shops in Saint John over the last few weeks, and here's my suggestions on where to shop for the women in your life!

Uptown Saint John 

Shoes

Depending on your budget and who you're buying for, no girl is going to turn down a beautiful pair of shoes. Support local, purchase quality, and consider a classic pair of pumps or flats from The Urban Shoe Myth (King Street) or Manchester Shoe Salon (Market Square). If you're not sure of her footwear tastes or what she has in her closet, a gift certificate to use towards a new pair of shoes or a quality wallet is never a poor choice. It's common to hear gift cards are impersonal, but I don't agree. A generic gift that she may or may not like is impersonal, but if you provide her with a little credit towards something she really likes, that will be greatly appreciated. And for a cute pair of comfortable Toms, I believe Je Suis Prest Boutique may still have some in stock!

Clothing

If you know her size or clothing preferences, there are many uptown boutiques to consider shopping. If you know her favourite store, a gift card is an option in this department too. Je Suis Prest Boutique (Brunswick Square) and Envy (Market Square) cater to a crowd of early 20s to 40s, depending on her personal style. If you know she shops at Je Suis Prest Boutique, be sure to ask the Prest girls if she has a shopping list there- they actually keep a list of their customers favourites to make holiday shopping easier! Kiera and Joy make a point to get to know their customers' tastes and give honest feedback so asking their option is always a great lead. For a girl in her teens to mid-20s I'd recommend checking out Pseudio (Brunswick Square). For the mature woman, try Collectables and Colwell's- it may be a little more expensive, but you can't go wrong with good quality. I'd say Silver Daisy (King Street) falls somewhere in between, serving unique and stylish clothing for girls in their 20s and 30s.

Accessories

Accessories are always a great affordable choice for a gift. Baubles (Brunswick Square) and Silver Daisy Designs (King Street) are my favourite go-to locations for pretty earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.

Cosmetics 

Make-up choices like a lip gloss or nail polish are always fun gift ideas as well. Visit the girls at Perfumes Plus (Brunswick Square) and get them to help you pick out a fragrance, Chanel product, or OPI nail polish for the giftee. Did you know that aside from Halifax, this is the only location you can purchase Chanel products? Though you may not be able to afford a Chanel suit or vintage purse, the cosmetics lines is much more accessible price-wise. Their nail polish is my absolute favourite for quality and wear.

Purses

Get her a new purse from Je Suis Prest Boutique (Brunswick Square), Silver Daisy Designs (King Street), or Walsh Luggage (Market Square). For a modern shoulder or crossbody bag visit JSP or for a fun party clutch, try Silver Daisy. For something classic and long-term, try popping into Walsh Luggage.

Home Decor

If you think she'd appreciate something for the home, I'd recommend Decor 8 (Brunswick Square), English Butler (Brunswick Square) and Handworks (King Street). Especially if you don't know the inside of her closet as well. chances are you've gotten a better look at her living room or kitchen. A beautiful piece of pottery (Handworks), a unique kitchen tool (Decor 8), fun cocktail glasses (Decor 8), or a Yankee candle (English Butler) are always great choices.  

Hair and Spa 

If you think she'd enjoy being pampered and doesn't spend enough time on herself, try purchasing a treatment or spa service from Element5 (Market Square) or Perfumes Plus (Brunswick Square). You could also browse Element5's selection of Aveda products for a great quality shampoo and conditioner. Speaking of hair care products, you could also try Hairacy's (Brunswick Square) selection of Redken products.

What I like about shopping uptown in general is that these locally owned shops give much better service. They are interested and invested in their customers' wants and needs, so asking their opinions might help point you in the right direction. Familiarizing yourself with the uptown is a great personal shopping experience and you're supporting local! Remember, when in doubt, choosing to purchase a gift certificate from a store you know she likes to shop at is never a fail.

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, check out the blog post I wrote last week for the Brunswick Square blog featuring the top 5 reasons for shopping at  the Uptown shopping centre.

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?

wedding by the sea...

Last weekend B and I headed down to St. Andrews by-the-Sea for his cousin's wedding. Talk about beautiful settings for any event, especially nuptials, this adorable sea side town hosts charming houses with character along streets with copious greenery; a street full of cute little shops right up against the ocean; opportunities for whale watching; an awesome marine research centre (with aquarium, touch pool, and an up close visit with seals!); and a gorgeous historic resort (that may be haunted). I spent a lot of time in the summers of my childhood visiting this town. So an opportunity to get an extra visit to St. Andrews before  the winter, combined with a celebration: sounds like a pretty good Saturday to me!  

The Outfit  Dress (Pink Martini, Je Suis Prest) | Necklace (Aldo) | Belt (Old Navy) | 

Glitter tights (gifted) | Shoes (Guess, Manchester Shoes) | Purse (Coach) | Coat (Soia & Kyo, Envy)

Just this past weekend, I went the opposite way on the map to meet up with friends in Moncton for a wine fair. Sipping vino, laughing with friends, and just hanging out in our hotel room at the casino made for an excellent weekend!

colonel mustard...

It seems a lot of my fall purchases have incidently been from the brand Pink Martini (they're a Canadian label!)- this sweater being one of those items. I'd have to say this wrap knit cardigan is easily winning out for my favourite sweater right now. I love this mustard colour that seems to be going with anything in my wardrobe lately- it definitely tops my list of favourite fall colours.

The Outfit  Sweater (Pink Martini- Je Suis Prest) | Shoes (Aldo) | Blouse (Mink Pink- Je Suis Prest) Purse (Fossil- Manchester Shoes) | Necklace (Maison Scotch- Envy) | Earrings (Joe Fresh)- similar 

Jeans (7 for All Mankind- Envy) 

I can't believe it's Thursday already! This week has flown by- which is just fine by me since I have plans I've been really looking forward to! I'm heading to Moncton this weekend to visit my sister and attend the wine fair with some of my very lovely girl friends (who are travelling from over from Fredericton and Halifax). My weekend is going to be all about catching up, laughing over inside jokes, and sipping some wine- can't wait!

What's your plans for the weekend? 

FCSJ's 2nd meeting...

Yesterday my outfit post featured a friend's blazer; today it's a top from her closet I borrowed at the same time. This fall I'm loving feminine flowly tops that flatter and make you feel pretty no matter what type of day you are having. I always try to alternate loose tops with skinny pants and vice versa- with a pair of baggy boyfriend jeans or an A-line skirt, I'll be sure to combine it with a form-fitting top as to create balance within the fit of an outfit.

The Outfit: Shirt: H&M (borrowed from Katie) | Jeans: 7 for all Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)

Purse: Coach (TO, Sept '10) | Heels: Steve Madden- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Mar '11)

Bracelet: ESquared- Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, June '11)

These outfit photos were shot at the Canterbury Lounge following Fashion Council Saint John's second meeting. If you aren't already following FCSJ on twitter, stay up to date with all things fashionable in Saint John via @FCSJNB. As the council gets off the ground and into action, you'll be seeing a lot more shared content you won't want to miss if you live in our city.

Thanks to Barb for taking these photos for me!

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.

new red...

So after going shorter, I decided to change my colour and go redder. I ended up with a darker shade than me and my hair stylist initially expected, so I went back in this week and she brightened it up with bold copper streaks. Below is the in between dark auburn after the inital visit to Reflections.

The Outfit: Floral tank top: BB Dakota- Leather House (St. Andrews- July '11)

Button-up top: Toggery- Black Dog Boutique (SJ, July '11) | Necklace: Aldo (Moncton, Aug '11)

Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (online, July '11) | Bracelets- Aldo (Moncton, Aug '11)

Skinny Jeans: 7 for All Mankind- Envy (SJ, July '11)

It's funny how things change over time. When I was younger I didn't like having red hair and freckles. I was the only red head in my third grade class. Now that I'm older and both features have faded, I do what I can to keep them!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Brunswick Square Fall Fashion Show- organizers, MCs, models- everyone did an amazing job! After uploading over 350 pictures from the show, I can't wait to share them. Monday you'll see photos go up on the Brunswick Square fashion blog, on Tuesday I'll post my favourite looks here and then all the photos will be posted on the Maritime Shopaholic Facebook page.

 

Fashion Council Saint John...

One of my favourite colours for fall would have to be burnt orange. It's a hue that works on a variety of skin tones. With it, I threw on this modern take on your grandfather's plaid vest. The outfit in this post I wore to the first meeting of Fashion Council Saint John (FCSJ).

FCSJ is a not-for-profit organization that will work towards supporting the fashion businesses in Saint John. An open invite was extended via the FCSJ Facebook page mid last month with the first meeting held Aug 30 at the Canterbury Lounge. Initial interest was a collective of retailer owners, bloggers, models, stylist, designer, and fashion enthausiasts.  

Normand Hector (NWH Modelling), the man behind the idea, was invited to chat on CBC radio regarding what FCSJ is and what this council will bring to Saint John. Click here to listen to Normand's interview.  

The Outfit: Vest- H&M (Moncton, Aug '11) | Bracelet- Esquared, Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, June '11) 

Jeans- 7 for Mankind, Envy (SJ, May '11) | Necklace- H&M (Moncton, Aug '11)

Shoes- Steve Madden, The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, June '11) | Blouse- Joe Fresh (SJ, Aug '11)

If you're interested in getting involved with FCSJ, please check out the Facebook page and get in touch with Normand. The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 4.

In other event news, we're hosting a blogger meet-up next month here in Saint John! Be sure to check out my post from earlier this morning for more details! 

getting ready for fall...

Tweet `

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?

 

Tweet

seeing spots...

Tweet

I think we all know the pain of spending precious time on a report, email, or even a blog post just to have something happen to our computer to watch it disappear and then lament over time and work lost! (Whether it be due to the swipe of the wrong key, a program malfunction, or- heaven forbid- your computer decides to crash.) Sadly, this is was my experience yesterday in regards to my blog post. I had this particular post all ready to go and as scheduled, it was published yesterday morning. (So you may recognize these photos if you made a visit to my blog before noon.) I had to go back in to do some edits and when I updated, Blogger snatched my work and all I was left with was...notta. Blogger likes to misbehave a little too often I think...

Anyhow, here goes a second attempt at sharing this outfit post. I couldn't resist wearing this shear BB Dakota cheetah print top the day after I bought it! One reason I love about this top now is that you can wear it with minimal layering and it's cool enough for summer but with more layers (a sweater over top, tank underneath), it can easily transition into fall. Now typically, I would layer under a sheer top, but in this case I decided to do the opposite and layer this H&M vest over top. I wore this casual ensemble to meet my friend Allie for coffee uptown (with her little guy Klein) and then head to Element 5 for a pedicure.

The Outfit

• Vest: H&M (Moncton, April '11)
• Animal print top: BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '11)
• Skinny jeans: 7 for All Mankind- Envy (SJ, June '11)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Piperlime (ordered online, July '11)
• Earrings: Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, July '11)

Just reminder of Perfumes Plus' tax-free sale tomorrow (Friday) on their Chanel products! If you haven't heard, Coco Chanel's birthday is August 19 (the designer icon would have been 128 years old)- in celebration you can purchase any Chanel products tax free! And what would be a party without a little cake and some prizes? I know I'll be in to get my eye concealer (and perhaps a piece of cake for a little sugar buzz)! To here a little more about it- check out Perfume Plus' blog or the Brunswick Square blog!

 

Tweet