TTFF (2): Fancy Footwear

A girl always loves an excuse to buy shoes! There have been a few new styles in stores and gracing the pages of magazines that have caught my eye. I've even opened up to styles I've never thought I would wear before. That's one of the things I love about fashion. The experimental nature of it. Check out below some of the latest trends in footwear and then I will let you know what I am dying to add to my shoe collection!

Open-Toed Booties

The open-toed bootie is a look that seems to have emerged slowly from either open toed pumps that grew into boot form or the gladiator heel that evolved into the caged heel that then morphed into a version appropriate for the cooler weather of fall. Last year I wasn't really feeling ankle boots, but this year I'm hooked!

Open Toe Booties by MaritimeShopaholic

Featuring shoes from Vince Camuto, Sam Edleman, Nine West, Steve Madden, Aldo

Closed-Toe Booties

The reason why I separated open and closed toe booties was because of the climate in New Brunswick. Open toe booties....a trendy, edgy way to wear a boot in warmer weather...but here, I might freeze my little toes off come October. A closed-toe booty might go the longer stretch and present more opportunities to be worn outdoors.

Closed Toe Booties by MaritimeShopaholic
Featuring shoes from Spring Shoes, Fendi, Aldo, Nine West, Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, Christian Louboutin 

Clogs

I have to admit, since the time they started to re-emerge in Spring 2010, clogs haven't really grown on me. Although I personally don't prefer the chunky look myself, some bloggers have managed to incorporate the shoe into their ensembles and really make it work for them.

Clogs by MaritimeShopaholic

Featuring shoes from Juicy Couture, Aldo, Sam Edelman, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Steve Madden, Nine West

Oxfords

Oxfords, otherwise known as Balmorals, are a menswear inspired shoe that has been updated since their origin in the 1800's. Fashion is all about recycling ideas afterall. This laced flat shoe has received many versions of a make-over and can be paired from everything to pants, crops, skirts, and casual dresses.

Oxfords by MaritimeShopaholic

Featuring Shoes from Aldo, L.A.M.B, Nine West, Givenchy, Steven by Steve Madden, Steve Madden, Christian Louboutin, Spring Shoes

This fall I have my sights set on a pair of booties and a pair of oxfords. I decided it would be more practical to go with the closed-toe booty, although I do love the look of the open-toed versions. I'll likely stick to neutrals to maximize cost-per-wear- so likely one set of shoes will be brown, the other black.

What shoes are you looking forward or buying/wearing for fall?

sales on sunday...

Sharing the latest savings and sales that have popped into my inbox this weekend. Feel like doing some sunday shopping?

American Apparel

Buy what you love with 20% off fall styles until tomorrow, August 30. Right now I'm craving some knee-high stockings (in subtle tones) and shiny black leggings.

Old Navy/ Gap/ Banana Republic

Last day to receive 30% off items at Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic with this email. You'll have to use this in-store tomorrow. Email me and I'll forward you a copy of the coupon! But just as a little FYI to include: did you know they now ship to Canada? (Took long enough!)

LuLu's

Today's the last day to save another 20% off sale items by entering the code "EXTRA" at checkout. There are many cute finds that are great for the last warm weeks of summer but can also be styled to transition into the earlier months of fall.

Nine West

Until tomorrow, you can save another 25% off those sandals you saw on sale. We still have warm weather to bare our toes to the elements!

Be sure to take advantage of these deals- some are on for another day, others are up after today. Let me know if you buy anything pretty or fun! Enjoy the remainder of the weekend!

TTFF (1): Shades of the Season

So in the first post of TTFF '10 (Top Trends: Fall Fashion) I though I'd hit the most general of topics: what colours will we be seeing in our magazines, in our favourite stores/boutiques and passing by on that stylish brunnette you nearly bumped into on the stairs.I'm really loving the shades that keep popping up, and maybe that's because I already have a lot of them in my closet. Whew, maybe that will limit my need to shop! (Unlikely.)

Heather Grey

Flattering to many and a neutral colour that matches just about anything. I find this colour has a comforting quality to it.

Heather Grey by MaritimeShopaholic featuring: wool blazer; Oscar de la Renta Silk-organza ruffled blouse; Women's AE Open Cardigan (Middle Heather Grey); Stella McCartney Fine dogtooth wool blazer; Paige Jeans Normandie Slim Grey; H&M Shop Online; Silk Georgette Flounce Blouse | Aritzia

Camel

I've always loved this warm brown that's great with gold accessories. Also a neutral that pairs with many other shades- making it a versatile colour you can wear on any part of your body.

Camel by MaritimeShopaholic featuring: leather handbag; Womens's NEW ARRIVALS - sweaters - Twin-Button Cardigan - Madewell1937; Petite Vintage Lace Tunic; Trousers Liquid Tobacco; USELTON; Hamilton Leather Tote; Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium leather satchel; Multi Strand and Stud Belt; H&M camel ankle boots laced

Plum Purple

Darker shades of rich purple are also on the agenda for this fall- flip through any fashion magazine and you'll shades of plum being incorporated into make-up looks, dresses, sweaters, bags, and footwear.

purple by MaritimeShopaholic featuring: coach shoulder bags; Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Stretch Satin Sheath Dress; J.Crew perfect fit mixed tape cardigan dark rosewood; The Beat of Your Own Plum Sweater; Alexander McQueen - 242407W0050 (Pale Lilac) - Footwear; Kristin Leather Large Hobo; kate spade 'crystal confection' ring; Marc by Marc Jacobs - Enamel Bangle Round Hinged Bangle (Sparkling...

Elsa Peretti®Color by the Yard earrings; Cole Haan - London Laced Thru Belt (Fuschia Patent/Cuoio) -...,


 Ruby Red

Accents of vibrant red add a bold touch among the neutrals of this season.

Ruby Red by MaritimeShopaholic featuring: red tops; Diane von furstenberg dresses RED; Jack Bb Dakota Shirts - Womens - Jack Bb Dakota Zipper Back Red Puff...; Jack BB Dakota The Affrica Coat in Cardinal, Winter Coats & Jackets...; Marc by Marc Jacobs Blanket stripe wool-blend skirt; DESTIME; Coral Corral Necklace | Mod Retro Vintage Necklaces | ModCloth.com; Enamel Flower With Pave Center Post Earrings; White House | Black Market - Jewelry & Accessories; Dooney & Bourke Accessories Mahogany Geniune Crocodile Double Handle...

Metallics

Metallics are a simply way of glamming up any outfit, whether it be a piece of jewellery or cute pair of shoes.

Metallics by MaritimeShopaholic featuring: 3 4 sleeve tops; elizabeth rose dress; Moschino Key-embellished wool and cashmere sweater; J.Crew Joey sequin-embellished skirt; Alexander McQueen Winged leather ankle boots; Poppy Leather Wristlet; MICHAEL Michael Kors Round Gold-Tone Watch; Fashionably Late Pocket Watch Necklace; Trending Topic Earrings; Welikefashion.com - Belt Inkwell by French Connection; PLASTICLAND - Noir Crystals & Feathers Hair Barette; H&M karkötő; MASTROBUONO - accessories's necklaces; women's for sale at ALDO Shoes.; FÖRSTA BILDERNA: Hösten på H&M - Glamour

Olive Green

Olive green goes great with many neutrals and is a shade that goes well many skin tones. This colour ties into the current military/utilitarian trend that emerged this summer and will continue into fall.

Olive Green by MaritimeShopaholic featuring: sheer tank; IRO Cashmere-blend sweater; Kain Silk-blend tank; Women's AE Cropped Military Jacket (Olive Jar); Marc by Marc Jacobs Military-style cotton-twill jacket; Juicy Couture Cotton-twill military jacket; J Brand 'Houlihan' Skinny Stretch Cotton Cargo Pants; PAIGE 1875 DARK GREEN LYOCELL/COTTON/LYCRA LAYNE CARGO JUNGLE; Jeffrey Campbell BOOT CAMP; YVES SAINT LAURENT Boots; Vintage Chanel Duffle Bag; Surplus Messenger Bag

Top Trends: Fall Fashion '10 (intro)

I've been flipping through the thick September issues of fashion magazines, browsing favourite shops, checking out email updates from various brands, and, of course, reading up on all my favourite style bloggers. I've been doing all of this in preparation of the a new season approaching- and with this, impending new looks and many fabulous reasons to go shopping!

I'm really excited for fall shopping! Right now it's too warm to weather all the styles I'm looking forward to...but it doesn't mean I can't talk about them! Some trends are ready wear now while it's still warm and during the transition into cooler weather.

This week I'll be starting a new feature I'm calling Top Trends: Fall Fashion '10 (TTFF for short) where I will pick a new trend or topic to share the inspirations, details, how-to's, where abouts, and examples I've learned from my fall shopping research! And amongst all of that, I will explain why I chose the collective items above to incorporate into a collage depicting this year's fall fashion.

There was too much I'm loving just to cram it all into one post!

no need to sacrifice comfort for style!

Let's face it. We can't be fashionistas everyday- common it's reality. Flip open a gossip rag while waiting in line at the grocery store....even the celebs who can afford make-up artists to make them look flawless and stylists to pull an outfit for them are real people too. We all have those days where we don't have the energy or just don't have anywhere in particular we need to be. I am not going to deny that you are very likely to run into me in the grocery store, the drug store, Walmart, or Starbucks in a pair of yoga pants and a hoodie (I own 10 hoodies- all in different colours). Mine you, on the other hand, there's no need to look like a disaster either. (At least make sure what you pick up off the floor is clean before putting it on, put your hair up or put a brush through it, and wipe off last night's make-up- this being the bare minimum.)

The reason I'm speaking of the low maintenaince, low profile look is because there are many days where I would just be more comfortable in a pair of my Lululemon cropped yoga pants rather than pulling on a tighter pair of jeans. Last Saturday I just discovered the alternative that won't sacrifice ultimate comfort, but allows you to still put together an outfit you can wear to a social outting.

My new favourite denim: the boyfriend jeans. I know, I know...this is a trend I'm a little behind on, but I tyically like my pants form fitting. Many things are on sale right now from the spring and summer stock (25-25% off!) at Je Suis Prest Boutique. I grabbed a few pair of sale jeans, deciding that I'd really like to try to destroyed denim. I loved a skinny jean that didn't fit me quite right, but when I pulled on the boyfriend jeans for the first time, I wasn't sure of the fit. Thanks to Joy & Meg at JSP who talked me through the process and how they fit! I decided this is something good that I've been missing out on!

The Outfit:

• 
  
  Destroyed boyfriend jeans- !iT Jeans- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Aug '10)
• 
  
  Black v-neck tee- American Eagle (SJ, Spring '09)
• 
  
  Black leather cuff- H&M men's accessories (Dartmouth, July '10)
• 
  
  Straw fedora- Urban Outfitters (Montreal, June '10)
• 
  
  Sandals- Clarks- Winners (SJ, April '10)
• 
  
  Key necklace- Charm Diamond Center (SJ, May '10)

I wore this outfit out ot my parents' house for a late lunch to celebrate my sister's birthday. Older people don't seem to understand why we like to buy our clothes with holes already in them and therefore I got a bit of grief for it. But hey, they also don't understand why I'd fork almost $100 dollars for a pair of jeans! Probably a good thing I didn't tell my family I actually spent money on a t-shirt with holes in it too (also from JSP)? I thought my parents might become concerned their daughter couldn't afford to feed herself if I showed up with both items on at once!  

proud peacock

Props to you girls that take your own photos for your blogs! And if you don't have a tripod and/or a remote, I applaud you. It's not easy without the feedback of a photographer to do that work for you! Yesterday Ben was out (and therefore off duty) and so I though I'd try and do my photos independently. With the lighting trials, finding a steady surface for my camera, and coordinating with the timer, this session took a lot longer with less success. I couldn't quite catch all of me in the shot so I might have gotten a little lazy...to make up for it I lined up the  procession of photos posted in a way so I didn't miss any outfit details!

I'm not as knowledgable as I'd like to be about photography and cameras, but with time I hope to learn more! I currently use a Panasonic Lumix (keepin' it easy, keepin' it light) but someday would like to upgrade to a bigger beast. Am I able to find a tripod that will hold or support my little camera when taking photos? Is this possible?

The Outfit:

1. 
   
   Green tank dress- H&M (Stockholm, Jan '08)
2. 
   
   White cardigan- Aerie (Fredericton, Spring '09)
3. 
   
   White belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, May '10)
4. 
   
   Silver flats- Sam Edelman- Winners (SJ, April '10)
5. 
   
   Green purse- Guess (Paris, Jan '08)
6. 
   
   Peacock feather hair accessory- Forever 21 (Montreal, June '10)

Today's post was named in honour of my fun hair accessory. I love feathers (texture), especially peacock feathers. I have a bunch of them saved up to be used in some way as decor for my wedding...

Oh, and please fill out the content poll at the top, right hand side of the page! I'd like to get feedback on what type of posts you'd enjoy seeing! I've also come up with more ideas for blog posts I'll share with you all soon.

happy birthday coco chanel!

Thursday Perfumes Plus featured a no tax sale on Chanel beauty products for the fun of celebrating Coco Chanel's birthday. Did you make it over to benefit from this deal? I had had my sights set on one of the new products from the fall line. I dropped by on my way to dinner with my friend Christine to find the store all decked out for the occasion!

Love that they even had chocolate cake! A little sugar as an appetizer sounded like a fabulous idea!

I walked down to the boardwalk for dinner, cake in hand!

So what did I purchase in honour of pioneering French female designer Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel's birthday? The nail polish Paradoxal:

(Got to love samples!)

Paradoxal, a purplish shade, goes on solid with only 2 coats and dries quickly enough that I was impressed!

Did you pick up anything from Perfumes Plus on Thursday? If so, do share in the comments below! 

safari savy

One of the trends that started popping up this summer that we'll continue to see into fall is the military or utilitarian look. I am definitely a fan: largely because I enjoy the appearance of the warm earth tones it incorporates (olive green, beige, brown) and the structure of the pieces.

I'm also really into men's-wear inspired dress shirts- the loose style is very versatile and will transition well from summer to fall. I sadly had to return a tutu skirt to H&M while in Moncton the other day (poor fit) and in its place I picked up two loose-fitting blouses (black and white). Yesterday I put together a look that has a safari suitable feel to it (all I need is the right hat!). Although it was a hot day, the loose fabric of the blouse allowed air flow and hence prevented me from melting!

The Outfit

1. White blouse- H&M (Moncton, August '10)
2. Olive green shorts- H&M (Toronto, June '10)
3. Belt- Michael Kors- TJMaxx (New Hampshire, April '09)
4. Gladiator sandals- Sam Edelman- Olam (Montreal, June '09)
5. Bib necklace- gift from Kristen (Toronto, Dec '09)
6. Sunglasses- Michael Kors- TJ Maxx (New Hampshire, April '09)
7. Emu-print purse- Guess- Walsh Lugguage (SJ, Feb '09)

I was sad to have to return the tutu skirt so if you know where I can find one that would properly fit (without being scandalous) a 5'7" girl with long legs, I'd really like to know!

I'm also seeking feedback from readers! Writing and working on this blog is something that I love doing and I'd really like to get a feel for your interests too! Check out the poll at the top of the page, in the right-hand side column.

If you have any specific comments or suggestions please email me at maritime.shopaholic@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

look beautiful for less!

We all love a good deal. Especially when it means endulging and treating ourselves without feeling guilty about it! Well I have double the good news to share with you!

Reflections Day Spa

They are welcoming new staff to their day spa and with that comes special savings to their customers! Their new soon-to-be aesthetician, Lindsay Hayes, is currently finishing her education and as with any service with their students, they are offering 50% off aesthetic services with Lindsay! Feel like pampering yourself? (Because I do!) This special is going on from August 19 (tomorrow!) until August 28!

Reflections is located on the west side, on Catherwood St. (just up the road from the new Lawtons). I was sure to grab a service and price pamphlet (listing regular prices) to see exactly what we all could treat ourselves to!

I have personally been going to Reflections since its early years (20 yrs ago!) when I was 6 and my aunt (one of the owners) used to tell me to stop raising my eyebrows so she could cut my bangs! They moved into a new location 1 1/2 yrs ago and they redid this building top to bottom to expand their business from salon to day spa- their hard work paid off because its a beautiful spot with a great atmosphere!

You can book an appointment with Lindsay by calling (506) 635-5959.

Check out Reflection's facebook page.

...but wait, oh, there's more!

Perfumes Plus

Did you know tomorrow is pioneering French designer Coco Chanel's birthday? Tomorrow (August 19) Perfumes Plus is offering no tax on all their Chanel beauty products! I will definitely be there. I even went in to visit and scope out the products today...

Chanel's fall line

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Blush

Eyeshadow

Nail polish

You'll have to go into the store to get a close up of the rest of their fall products. But remember the no tax applies to all the Chanel products your heart may desire...

(I circled my favs!)

Chance to grab the limited edition before they're gone...

In case you need her, make-up artisit Laura can to assist you in finding the right products for you incase you need a little help! Visit Perfumes Plus tomorrow on the first level in Brunswick Square uptown. See you tomorrow ladies!

Check out Perfumes Plus' blog. Laura always gives the heads up when there's something worth knowing!

Oh, be sure to let me know if you benefit from either of these deals at Reflections and Perfumes Plus! I'd love to know what you had done or what you bought! Please do send me an email and share at maritime.shopaholic@gmail.com (visual aids, aka pictures, would be great too)!