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?

Fashion Forward...

Two weeks ago, Uptown Saint John hosted Fashion Forward...An Uptown Affair for the first time. Considered Saint John's version of Fashion's Night Out: many Uptown shops stayed open late to spoil their customers with special deals, draws, and promotions. There were plenty of demos and samples- and many stores served food and some even a glass of bubbly!

The Outfit:  Skirt: Gentle Fawn- Je Suis Prest (SJ, Oct '11) | Necklace: Aldo (Moncton, Aug '11)

Blouse: Mink Pink: Silver Daisy (SJ, Oct '11) | Socks: American Apparel (Halifax, Mar '11)

Trench: BB Dakota- Je Suis Prest (SJ, Sept '11) | Nails: Essie- Walmart (SJ, Sept '11)

Shoes: Michael Kors- Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Sept '11) | Belt: Eddie Bauer (Moncton, Aug '06)

I wore this outfit wore that evening in pursuit of the best deals with friends. I ended up with a top on lay away at Silver Daisy, boots on lay away at Urban Shoe Myth, a new sweater (already featured on the blog) from Je Suis Prest, and then cheetah print pumps for 20% off at Manchester! To check out the photos I snapped at various stores throughout the evening, be sure to take a look of the photos I posted on Facebook later that night:

• Photo Album: Fashion Forward...An Uptown Affair

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.

playing catch-up....

So Ive been a little behind lately on my outfit posts for the 30 for 30 Fashion Challenge. In order to play a little catch-up I'm going to double up on outfits in my 30 for 30 posts starting this morning. I have to say, this challenge has proven to be trying in a number of ways...and I have to remind myself that the rest of my closet is off limits! It's been an interesting experience, but I can't wait to make use of my full wardrobe again- and just in time for holiday events and parties! I can say that finally I managed to find a spot to hang my 30 items...that didn't include the back of my couch...

The Outfit

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

Blouse- H&M (Moncton, Aug '10)

Belt- Winners (Toronto, Sept '08)

Skinny grey pants- RW & Co. (SJ, May '10)

Shoes- Aldo- (ordered online, Oct '10)

Necklace- Forever 21 (Portland, Nov '10)

Hat- H&M (Moncton, Nov '10)

Scarf- Winners (SJ, Feb '09)

The Outfit

Top- Gentle Fawn- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Nov '10)

Skinny jeans- Nissi- Pseudio (SJ, April '10)

Sweater- Kensie- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Sept '10)

Boots- Aldo (gift from my parents, Dec '09)

By the way, all these Black Friday sales, even if they are just online for us Canadians, are oh so tempting! Emails from my favourite stores with discounts are continuously taunting me! Must...stay...strong! 

gale gusts...

This morning I'm up bright and early for a trip across the border for my one shopping day this month. We're heading to Portland and Freeport in Maine. I figure I'll get a jump start on my Christmas shopping. There's nothing in particular that I'm personally on the hunt for, but I find peace in even browsing- it's my version of meditation...

First on my agenda on Friday will be to obtain tickets to both fashion shows in Saint John next week. Wednesday, November 17, Market Square is hosting their fashion event, Viva La Diva, in support for the Canadian Cancer Society, The evening of Thursday, November 18, marks an event I've very much been looking forward to: Je Suis Prest Boutique's Holiday Fashion Party at the Canterbury Lounge in support of the Coverdale Center for Women.

These outfit photos were taken inside again due to the massive winds we were having today- I was certain that they would knock over my tripod and carry it away if I was to be as bold as to try and shoot my photos outdoors! On the upside of things, it finally stopped raining yesterday!

The Outfit

Sheer top- Gentle Fawn- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Nov '10)

Brown t-shirt- American Eagle (SJ, Oct '10)

Brown cords- American Eagle (Ordered online, Winter '10)

Brown boots- Aldo (Christmas gift, Dec '09)

Necklace- Anne Marie Chagnon (Montreal, June '09)

Hope my fellow remixers are making out well with the 30 for 30 Fashion Challenge!

Look for 2 special posts coming up this weekend!