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.

pink lemonade margaritas...

Sometimes nothing is better than a Saturday night with your girl friends. Doing your make-up together, sipping on wine or cocktails, and laughing at each other's stories. I've had a lot of fun the last two weekends, having the opportunity to hit the town with some of my favourites.

Pink lemonade + skinny girl margarita= one tasty drink!

I need this Urban Decay palette Katie has.

Arm party!

I never really go anywhere without my camera.

We ended the night with an appetizer and socializing at Britt's pub.

The Outfit  Dress: Jack BB Dakota (Je Suis Prest Boutique) | Wedges: Aldo | Tights: Walmart

Belt: Eddie Bauer | Cuff bracelet: Esquared (Silver Daisy Designs) | Bangles: Aldo | Necklace: H&M

Sweater: Press (Je Suis Prest Boutique)

Find it online: dress, shoes, similar belt, similar necklace, similar cardigan, make-up palette

How was your weekend? My weekend was a blast- double date with friends at a local sushi spot on Friday, the Urban Glam party (featuring new holiday wear from Je Suis Prest Boutique and The Urban Shoe Myth) followed by dancing at the Canterbury, and then coffee and browsing the Christmas flea market yesterday. It's funny how the weekends are supposed to be our down time from the week- but I like to pack mine with as much time with friends as possible!

Stay tuned! Tomorrow the photos from the Urban Glam party will be up on my blog and the Facebook page. Thanks to the girls at Je Suis Prest, Urban Shoe Myth, and Design 4 Space for an amazing time! The added bonus is that proceeds from the evening went to a great cause: The Coverdale Centre, a drop-in centre for women in Saint John providing shelter and case management services to assist in addictions, mental health issues, employment and affordable housing.

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?

last call for knee socks!

I feel a little like I below on a mountain top with braids or yodelling in this outfit, but sometimes it's a little fun when your outfit takes on a bit of character (without looking like a costume). I think this is officially the last time you'll see these shorts before spring. I've tucked a few more things away in my seasonal bin downstairs and it's almost time to lug up the heavier coats and boots! After all, I'm pretty sure I spotted frost on my car's wind shield this morning (from the warmth of my living room of course- one benefit of having your office at home).

Click the links below to see where you can the find these items online.

The Outfit  Vest: H&M | Blouse: H&M (similiar) | Shorts: Old Navy  

Socks: American Apparel (similar) | Bracelet: ESquared- Silver Daisy Designs

Necklace: Aldo Accessories | Booties: Michael Kors- The Urban Shoe Myth

Yesterday, one of the local radio stations was talking about taking bets on when we'll have the first snowfall (of at least 1cm- gross.) Last year it was right after Halloween. Starting to think about snow has meet thinking of ideas of how to capture interesting outfit photos without resorting to my living room wall as the back drop. 

Any good suggestions for interesting locations sheltered or indoors once the dreaded winter hits?

I'd love to hear your suggestions for keeping it interesting down below in the comments! Also, just feel free to say hi. :)

Indian Summer...

A couple of weeks ago the heat spiked and we went from autumn back to summer weather. With my summer wardrobe already packed away, I was left with limited choices. I was also probably one of the few people in the city who wasn't particularly appreciating this border-line heat wave. You couldn't even enjoy a walk around the Irving Nature Park without practically dehydrating yourself. After all, I was geared up with new fall items I'd rather wear! And this sheer striped blouse would be one of my favourites.

Click the links below to see where you can the find some of these items online.

The Outfit  Shirt: Mink Pink- Je Suis Prest Boutique | Shorts: Old Navy | Sandals- Sam Edelman

Purse: Fossil- Manchester Shoe Salon | Bracelet: ESquared- Silver Daisy Designs

Scarf (as headband): Coach

The next big walk I plan to take is uptown this Friday for the Gallery Hop! However, walking from gallery to gallery might require a few more layers now that the temperatures are starting to drop below 10 degrees (Celsius). 

Will I be seeing you Friday for the last gallery hop of 2011?

Please comment below if you will be out and about Friday night for the Gallery Hop in Saint John. If you aren't from Saint John, any comments are welcome and appreciated, so please do feel free to drop a note just to say hi! I'd love to hear from you.

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

silver daisy videoshoot...

Two weeks ago, my favourite blogging pals and I got together on a rainy Sunday in an uptown shop to play dress-up. If you caught this post or attended the Sex & the City Soiree on Friday, you may already know what I'm talking about. Silver Daisy Designs, as part of their fundraiser fashion show (in support of Hospice), invited local bloggers to participate in a videoshoot talking about our favourite fall fashion trends all while wearing an outfit we've style wearing clothes from the shop.

 This outfit combines elements of my style in a way that is a little atypical of me actually. I usually have a complusion to be a bit more matchy-matchy with elements of an outfit, but on this particular Sunday I decided to stretch my typical style routine. And aftewards, I was conflicted about it, but reminded myself that fashion is about stretching limits and sometimes you just need to experiment.

The Outfit: Blouse: Mink Pink c/o Silver Daisy | Belt c/o Silver Daisy

Skirt: Locca Couture c/o Silver Daisy | Necklace: Esquared c/o Silver Daisy

Bangles c/o Silver Daisy | Bracelet: Esquared- Silver Daisy (SJ, July '11)

Tights: Walmart (SJ, Fall '10) | Shoes: Michael Kors- The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, Sept '11)

The Esquared jewellery around my neck and wrist is very characteristic for me- I love the way those 2 redheaded beauties design funky, yet feminine pieces. This fall I also can't seem to get away without adding some spec of animal print to my ensembles. I am also loving sheer button-up blouses like this one I ended up taking home with me!*

Basically everything from this outfit can be found in-store at Silver Daisy- except for my tights and shoes. To check out my video filmed by Beaver Smith (bigdayfoto) and Greg Knudson, just click here. Please excuse my umms and awkwardness!


*I bought this blouse for 40% off from Silver Daisy for being involved in this project. This offer was extended to my fellow blogger friends too if they wished to purchase any part of the outfits they wore.

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!