to the max...

One thing that is on my list of must-haves for this summer is the maxi dress. I've admired other bloggers who have fashionably styled elogated skirts and dresses, but never thought it was a look I could neccessarily pull off. Sometimes I find it can take some trends a little longer to grow on me or I warm up to them once I figure out how to incorporate them into my own look. Here's some of the pieces and looks I'm coveting right now:    

Yumi swallow print maxi dress

Diane von Furstenberg dress

All Saints maxi dress

Joseph M blue floral dress

TopShop long chiffon dress

Michael Kors gathered skirt

Preen tulle maxi skirt

Rag & Bone maxi skirt

Click here for prices and links to online shops

I'd love to pair any of the above pieces with a jean jacket for that casual-cool look. However, I won't be adding any maxis to my closet until my shopping freeze thaws...in 32 days!

So what's your opinion on the maxi dress or maxi skirt? Is it a style you plan to incorporate into your wardrobe? Is it not for you? Or perhaps you already have a couple hanging in your closet?

P.S. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Saint John Cut Collective

Last week I shared with you the behind-the-scenes of the fashion shoot Saint John Cut. Borrowing a photo from Sheldon Parsons, let me introduce you to the creative group as a whole (minus a few members):

Front Row: Beth McRae, Fran Menton, Apple Dog

Middle Row: Kate McLean, Nadine Parsons, Chelsea Mason, Kiera Fraser, Emily Fraser, Barb Crawford, Kelly Lawson

Back Row: Sheldon Parsons, Carrie McGrath, Sean McGrath

(Missing from shot: Beaver Smith, Dan Culberson, Alex Pesold)

Sharing with you the work of some talented local photographers, I thought I'd also show you the outfit I put together from Je Suis Prest Boutique:

Photo by Sean McGrath

Photo by Sean McGrath

Photso by Sean McGrath

Photo by Sean McGrath

Photos by Kelly Lawson

Photo by Sheldon Parsons

The Outfit

Top: Free People- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Skirt: Free People- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Belt- Chinese Laundry- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Headband- c/o Je Suis Prest Boutique

Pantyhose- American Apparel- c/o my closet

Shoes- Steve Madden- The Urban Shoe Myth- c/o my closet

When Carrie did this fantastic look with my make-up, I realized I was going to have to work a serious look in photos. I usually go for goofy or happy expressions in my outfit photos, so I at first I felt a little nervous. I never confront the camera straight on with a bold or serious look. (I'll be honest: I had to practice my more serious expressions in the mirror to feel a little more confident!) However it was a great exercise for pushing my boundaries a little and trying something new! Thanks everyone for a wonderful afternoon and making me look good!

and the winner....

...of the Bayekery Giveaway and a dozen cupcakes in the flavour of her choice is:

Johanne McCullough!

Congrats Johanne! Thanks so much to Cupcakes by Baye for offering a such tastey prize!

And thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway.

The winning entry was chosen by a Random Number Generator:

Did you know Cupcakes by Baye is offering a sweet deal until St Patrick's Day, March 17? Order a dozen cupcakes in any cheeky flavour you please by tomorrow for $15! If you're local, you can contact Baye via cupcakesbybaye@hotmail.ca to place an order!

JSP wish list!

I'm on a bit of a shopping diet lately. Actually, I've given up shopping for lent...that's 40 days of not spending a dime on clothing, shoes, or accesories (with exception to wedding-related purchases)... Though I've chosen to undergo a shopping fast, browsing and window shopping are fair game! In the meantime, I've composed a wish-list from my favourite clothing store, Je Suis Prest Boutique, to swoon over.

 

1.  Striped Dex t-shirt

2.  Free People embellished cami

3.  Numph top

4.  Nicole Lee floral belt

 

5.  Purple Alternative Apparel t-shirt

6.  Brown Alternative Apparel t-shirt

7.  Blue Alternative Apparel t-shirt

8.  Green Alternative Apparel hoody

9.  Free People paradise bib burnout tank

10.  Free People printed crossback tunic

11.  BB Dakota sheer lace-like tank

12.  BB Dakota olive tank

 13.  Jack BB Dakota shorts

14.  Floral bow headbands

15.  Black & beige flower headbands 

16.  Dogeard pearl pendant gold necklace

17.  Yumi purple dress

18.  Free People hearts flutter top

19.  Free People embroidered tank

20.  Yumi floral lace dress

Any of these items make your wish-list? So far it's 6 days down...34 to go!

just peachy...

Honestly, before this fall, I rarely wore hoisery...even in the winter months. I hardly ever wore dresses or skirts in the cold periods, reasoning being obvious. I'm not really sure why or if I had an opposition to pantyhose before, but I have to say it's made a huge difference in my wardrobe and extended the wear of items that were just seasonal before. As I planned my outfit for a formal I attended this past weekend, wearing bare legs with my dress didn't even occur to me as an option. But the last two years I would have never wore pantyhose. Interesting how your outlook and style can change all of a sudden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Outfit

• Grey sleeves (shrug): DEPT- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, April '10)
• Coral top: French Connection (Toronto, June '10)
• Dress: Lush- Envy (SJ, Dec '10)
• Belt (from another skirt): Eve Gravel- The Black Dog Boutique (SJ, Dec '10)
• Tights (in light orange): We Love Colors (ordered online, Mar '11)
• Boots: Town Shoes (Halifax, Oct '07)
• Ring: Silpada (jewelry party, Summer '10)

You purchase the right fit of pantyhose and they are actually comfortable. They're also a saving grace for my pale legs. They also double as shapewear and give everything a more firm appearance, even if you haven't been to the gym in months. Pantyhose have become a secret weapon for women. And when you look good, you feel good!