when one door closes...

I've both loved being a part of that role and been truly flattered that so many of you have enjoyed this blog.

And with that, I have come to a juncture where I must close one door to open another. This, I tell you with both a heavy heart and feelings of excitement for what is to come, is the last post you will you will come to see on Maritime Shopaholic. I started this blog almost 2 years ago expecting that only a few close friends might read about what I styles I was loving, what I was wearing and where I was doing in these outfits. Without much thought I choose an intended to be tongue-in-cheek title under which I would chronicle my own personal style, my fascination with the fashion industry (on both the small and large scale), as well as which shops and businesses I loved and wanted to support.

But as I mentioned in my previous post, 2011 was a busy year. With a little more life experience and another calendar year gone by, I've been pondering the best direction in which to take this blog. In order to make the most of time spent online and offline, I've decided to restructure my online presence. I'll still be supporting local fashion, designers and businesses through my involvement with Fashion Council Saint John, my role as blogger for the Brunswick Square fashion blog, as well as my personal tweets! I'll continue to blog about my personal style (outfits, favourite trends and producs, DIY projects) through Atlantic Style Diaries. I'll still be open to collaborating and working with brands and designers through that blog.

It was a tough decision to leave Maritime Shopaholic behind, but I will be spending more time with my loved ones, concentrating on my career, and taking a little extra time for me. Thank you for all the support over the last 2 years!

the online persona

This blog post is an opinion piece written by the author on the truth about marketing yourself as a brand.

This past year (2011) has been one of many experiences- all interesting, many amazing, and some eye opening. I've changed my mind about what I how I wanted to present Maritime Shopaholic a number of times in the past year and what my goals were in achieving through this blog. I've had many opportunities to get to know a lot of wonderful individuals and be involved in a number of fun projects. The truth is, the year 2011 was both great experiences and one of challenging times for me personally and as a blogger. Many of you have gotten a chance to know my Maritime Shopaholic persona who keeps up to date on what is happening in this city and where to find the latest sale or that perfect something for the season.


Virtual Reality

As almost an unconscious after-thought, the name Maritime Shopaholic became my online persona and then later, my brand. This is how many people in Saint John know me. Because I blog, tweet, and post on a variety of online social mediums on a focused topic, this is what people have come to know about me. In 2011, social media popularity seemed to explode, especially in Saint John. You seemed to know so much about a person before you finally met them in "real-life".


The Brand vs. The Person

Weird to think about, but many of us have since acknowledged this with a laugh, followed by a pondering question if we spend too much time on our computers and phones. Widening the dimensions in which you connect and communicate with people is kind of cool but also can have unforeseen impact on how people view you. It has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people, network without leaving my corner of the internet, and put my voice out there.

Most people knew me by Maritime Shopaholic before they knew my real name. But what I started to realize within my first year of blogging and then struggled with in my second year was that fine line of letting people know who you are, what you stand for, but maintaining some privacy and peace to retreat "offline" outside of the fashion and blogging community. You don't tell your life story or your every thought to someone you've just met or a room full of people you barely know- either in your real or virtual life, so naturally Maritime Shopaholic has always just been a piece of me instead of the whole pie. But that's the piece everyone knows and we all forget about the bigger picture sometimes.


Mistaken Identity

I started to realize a while ago that by creating and promoting a brand that was about only a part of me and my interests lead to people viewing me in a specific light- that was mostly flattering but not always the image I actually wanted to portray. But, from interactions with people time and time again, I realized that confusing Maritime Shopaholic, the brand, with Chelsea, the real person, seemed to be like when people thought the world was flat. And that's not their fault. They didn't know there was more land to discover and that Earth was actually spherical (and that their ships wouldn`t actually sail off the edge). When I started to get the impression that people thought I was actually a shopaholic (and it was published in newspaper print) I was started to feel like I needed to make a change.


Beyond the Surface

It's true, I love playing with outfits and jewellery. I may spend a good percentage of my extra money on my wardrobe. I enjoy a little retail therapy when I need a distraction and I define the seasons as much by changes in trend as I do the weather. But that's just an interest of mine. I know many people know there's more to me than what's literally on the surface (i.e. my clothing) but I've had some experiences through my branding where I just wanted to stand up and say what I was really thinking. (Ah, the art of being diplomatic.) So...maybe it's time to say it like it is?

Belly Beautiful

For the longest time, ladies who are expecting, have had a challenging quest of finding appropriate fitting clothing here within the city. I've heard from many women who have had to make out-of-town trips in search of quality maternity clothing- which more often than not- don't come cheap. 

Belly Beautiful, Saint John's new maternity apparel boutique, just opened its doors on Prince William Street a little over a month ago. The store is helping to fill the gap for pregnant women looking for clothing that they can feel good and look good in! They deserve to be able to find that without leaving our city.

You can find the shop at the corner of Princess and Prince William, right across the street from Bourbon Quarter and Magnolia Cafe!

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Shoe Sale!

I'm sure you might have heard aboutt the awesome Boxing Day Sales that Urban Shoe Myth had going post-holidays. The even better news is that those sales are still in place and even more footwear is 30%, 50% or even 75% off to make way for new spring merchandise. In fact, most of the store is on sale right now!

And that's not all. I was in the store earlier this week helping a friend pick out boots when I heard about the new, even better offer. If you purchase 2 pairs of footwear, you get an additional 20% off your purchase, an extra 30% off if you leave with 3 pairs, and if you happen to find 4 pairs that you cannot live without, you'll get an extra 40% off your total.

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Style Challenge

You might remember about a year ago when Je Suis Prest Boutique (JSP) hosted a style challenge on their Facebook page (as shown above). All you had to do was post a picture of yourself wearing an ensemble from the uptown boutique on their Facebook page for the chance to win a gift certificate to the store.

And now, a year later, this contest is back. Kiera, owner of JSP, is offering $100 to their best dressed customer. From now until January 20, you can post a picture of yourself in your favourite JSP piece(s) on their Facebook wall. On January 20, they'll be putting all the photos in an album where FB fans can vote on their favourite look. The winner of the challenge (person with the most votes) will score a $100 to spend at the store!

Find something to wear- not a problem. Now to pick a favourite, that takes some serious consideration!

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Nicki Minaj OPI Minis

I've been admiring the fun, bright colours of the Nicki Minaj OPI collection. Element5 announced on Friday that they have the 3 solid nail colours in full size bottles: Did It On 'Em (lime), Fly (aqua), Pink Friday (pink).

But if you're like me and wanted to try all 3 of those hues, they also have the mini sets in (if there are still any left)!

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Tax Free at Pseudio

Pseudio announces that this is the last weekend to score on their extended store-wide tax free offer. The sale technically ends Sunday, but remember that Brunswick Square isn't open on Sundays (now that holiday shopping hours are over).

Pseudio also has a newer store in the East Point Shopping Centre that opened a few months ago. Unfortunately, I find their selection extremely disappointing: it doesn't seem organized, but rather just left overs from the other Pseudio stores.

So, if you're out and about today or tomorrow, pop by the Brunswick Square location before closing time on Saturday.


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Happy New Year

Hello, my very lovely readers! I just wanted to wish you an incredible 2012. As you might have noticed, I had taken a break from blogging on Maritime Shopaholic over the holidays. I took this time to spend with friends and family (and eat waaay too many short bread cookies!) I've also been concentrating on getting my new personal style blog, Atlantic Style Diaries, off the ground and established. I've been very inspired with all the glitz and sequins to wear around the holidays!

I've also taken the time to think about how I wanted to proceed with Maritime Shopaholic in the New Year. It's already undergone quite a few changes. I didn't want to be always borrowing others' photographs for imagery on my blog since all my outfit photos have gone to Atlantic Style Diaries. I'll have another post up towards the end of the week. On this blog, it is my intentions to post 1 to 3 times a week on fun and stylish things happening in our wonderful city of Saint John. And who knows, if there is too much not to share, maybe there'll be a few extra posts. ;)

But while I get my content ready for 2012, please feel free to venture over to Atlantic Style Diaries and see what I've been up to- and what I've been putting together out of my closet!

Yesterday I posted my resolutions for 2012! Bring on 2012! I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Saint John on the web

Interesting links based on local happenings I've come across in the last week! This list rounds up a few giveaways, a newly opened store uptown, and a way to get home safely from holiday parties this season:

1. The local giveaway marathon continues on Barbbarbbarb's blog: #30in30.
2. I have so many lovely friends that are now expecting a bundle of joy in 2012! Check out uptown's new maternity store on Prince William: Belly Beautiful Maternity.
3. Judith Mackin's  top 10 art tips- why bad art will never do. 
4. Kiera Fraser strongly recommends shopping local for your Christmas gifts.
5. You can now subscribe to the Telegraph Journal's new and (finally) improved website instead of getting the paper.
6. Operation Red Nose, a great local (and free) service to get people home safely during the holidays, is looking for more volunteers.
7. Tickets for the upcoming Saint John Wine Festival in February are now on sale.
8. Cannon Security Inc is hosting a a Wonderland Facebook Giveaway.
9. The Yoga Outlet is hosting a (free) candle-lit Winter Solstice session on the shortest day of the year- this Wednesday.
10. Loving local blogger Candice's outfits on Brillant Sugar- many of the items from her closet have local origins. 

With less than a week to go, the countdown to Christmas is officially on! Wishing you a fantastic holiday season.

merry martinis....

Looking for a mid-week pick me up? Fusion Saint John is hosting Merry Martinis at the Trade & Convention Centre tomorrow evening, (Wednesday) December 14.

In support of Romero House, this party will kick off  with a red carpet entrance at 6pm. In your cocktail attire, tickets will provide you with 3 drink vouchers and hors d'oeurves at your fingertips. Tickets for this event are $50 and can be purchased at the Uptown Saint John office at 40 King Street. 

For more details, check out this video with event coordinators, Sean & Fran, chatting about this soiree:

To see the article written on Merry Martinis in support of the Romero House in the Telegraph Journal today, click here.

Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the event myself, but would love to hear all about it! Hope those of you attending will let me know how it goes and have some pictures to post- have fun!


This post has been written by the author in support of Romero House, an extremely worthy cause, which is open 365 days a year and aims to serve one hot meal to Saint Johners in need. The soup kitchen is open 7 days a week, providing roughly 300 meals daily.

Saint John on the web

I"ll be honest- I don't know what I'd do without the internet. It's my source for catching up on the latest trends, tuning into world news, making plans with friends, or find out what's going on in Saint John this weekend. Here are some of my favourite links I've encountered this week that have local content:

1. Professional photos by Kelly Lawson and Mike Capson from the Urban Glam Party posted.
2. Perfumes Plus shares a sneak peak at the new Chanel Spring 2011 cosmetic line. 
3. The Urban Shoe Myth is offering 25% off their holiday shoes for the remainder of the week.
4. An article I stumbled upon that lists many reasons why it's important to shop local.
5. Manchester Shoe Salon and Pseudio are both offering tax free from now until Christmas.
6. Market Square is giving away a $500 shopping spree each Friday until December 23.
7. Profile written on shop owner Kiera of Je Suis Prest Boutique.
8. Brunswick Square is also doing a giveaway promotion titled $1000 reasons to shop locally
9. Beat the Winter Blues Facebook Competition involving multiple uptown Saint John businesses.
10. Fusion is hosting Merry Martinis, a cocktail party in support of Romero House, next week.

What was the best or most interesting thing you saw on the web this week? (Let me know in the comments below!)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'm kicking it off with a Christmas party tonight at the Delta- can't wait to wear a new dress! (It has sequins.)

telegraph journal

This past weekend my little blog received a little love in Saint John's Telegraph Journal. I mentioned a few weeks ago in this outfit post, that I had had the pleasure of meeting up with Kâté Braydon, photographer for the newspaper, at one of my favourite uptown stores, The Urban Shoe Myth.

Last month, I was contacted by report John Pollack about my outlook on shopping and retail growth in Saint John after he had come across my blog. He had already spoken to many business individuals on their perspective and I suppose my viewpoint would come from the (experienced) consumer. Although I'm credited as a "confessed shopaholic" in the article, I can't deny the the title given the name of my blog, I'd describe it as more of a whimsical reference to my consumerism and interest of what is available here in our port city. While I will admit I do love shopping, my "cash diet" method keeps me in check- and it is really my love of fashion and interest in pushing the envelope of style that keeps me writing this blog!

If you had an opportunity to read it, the article, titled The evolution of a retail destination (page 34 in the Saint John on the Move magazine insert), shares the opinions of myself, Imelda Gilman (president of the Saint John Board of Trade), and statements from a number of developers that Saint John's retail is growing. We've turned away the age old notion that people feel the need to leave our city to shop. As our city continues to evolve we're seeing more enjoyment and commitment in regards to supporting local.

Thanks to John and the TJ for the shout out on my blog! Although I made a special effort to buy the newspaper after hearing the article was out, I'm looking forward to the make-over of the Telegraph's website, which I hear is about to be released very soon.    

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.

luxury cars & brand name shoes

Last month I was invited to an event at the Mercedes-Benz dealership that mixed luxury cars with luxury goods (fashionable clothing that is). Am I in the market for a fancy car? Unfortunately not and while I'm perfectly happy driving my economical little Corolla, I certainly wouldn't shy away from a Mercedes if my bank account was grow by a good margin! For now, the most expensive new transportation I can afford is quality footwear!

The event, did perk my interest since it had a fashion aspect and had some of my favourite retailers involved. My initial thought was to wonder how do luxury cars and fashion mix, but then I remember the company and fashion industry are quite often making a partnership. After all, you do know that New York Fashion Week's main sponsor is Mercedes-Benz, right? Mercedes-Benz Canada has its own links to LG Fashion Week in Toronto: launching the Mercedes-Benz StartUp competition, which is in an initiative that is intended to provide a platform to discover and support up-and-coming Canadian fashion designers.  

Although I was unable to attend, I was sent a few photos to see how the local Mercedes-Benz dealership was mingling with fashion and supporting local at their annual customer event. Photos are the work of the lovely Kelly Lawson (Lawson Photography).

Ashley with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

Dress: Je Suis Prest Boutique (Lipsy London) | Shoes: The Urban Shoe Myth (Michael Kors)

Jewellery: Goldsmith Studio | Watch: Goldsmith Studio (Gucci)

Natalie with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML Truck

Dress: Je Suis Prest Boutique (Mason) | Shoes: The Urban Shoe Myth (Nine West)

Jewellery: Goldsmith Studio | Watch: Goldsmith Studio (Gucci)

Mandy with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet

Dress: Je Suis Prest Boutique (DEPT) | Shoes: The Urban Shoe Myth (Stuart Weiztman)

Jewellery: Goldsmith Studio | Watch: Goldsmith Studio (Gucci)

My personal favourite was the outfit on Mandy. I love the faux leather dress- the fabric has a certain sex appeal and with tasteful necklace the mini skirt is definitely a go! I'm also a fan of patent leather and the rich red hue of the Stuart Weitzman pumps. 

All the models' hair was styled by ASAP Hair Studio and make-up was done with Chanel products at Perfumes Plus. 

This blog post is not sponsored content and is only my reflection on how this local car dealership mixed an element of fashion into their event. To support Maritime Shopaholic and have your fashion-related event officially covered on this blog, please see the Sponsor/Collaborate page for more details!

shopbop giveaway winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Shopbop giveaway! Out of 520 entries, the winner was...

Congrats to Julia on winning the $100 gift card to Shopbop. And it didn't take long for her to decide exactly what she wanted- Julia tweeted me after receiving the gift card to let me know she had ordered a stylish pair of Boutique 9 pumps!

Perfumes Plus Holiday Party

A few weeks ago, you may have caught the announcement about Perfumes Plus' upcoming holiday party via the Brunswick Square Blog. The event date has since changed and Perfumes Plus will now be hosting their annual Holiday party tonight, in-store, at 6pm.  Perfumes Plus can be found on the ground level of Brunswick Square.

As promised, there will sales to take advantage of throughout the day, which include 30% off select products. Perfumes Plus will also be launching the Chanel's Holiday 2011 Collection. Chanel is bringing a lot of beautiful, limited edition products to the table with this holiday line made up of rich golds, festive reds, and beautiful neutrals.

The event will also feature make-up and nail demons, as well as prize draws. Every purchase today enters you in to a draw to win a holiday gift from Chanel!

There will be Chanel limited edition gift sets available for purchase, which include the brush set or lip gloss duo featured above.

Personally, my favourite Chanel cosmetic product (aside from their eye concealer I use daily) would be their nail polishes. They may cost a pretty penny, but they are honestly worth it- it's definitely one of those products that you get what you pay for. Above is my current collection of Chanel polishes. Last night I painted my finger nails with the Coromandel (second from the left above) and it only required one coat! 

If you love Chanel as much as I do, you should pop on over to Barb's blog and enter her giveaway to win for the chance to win a free Chanel manicure from Perfumes Plus! (Contest is open until this Friday, Dec 2, at noon.)

Need to pick up something pretty for your friend or sister, stocking stuffers, or a hostest gift? Be sure to drop by later today for some refreshments, shop the sales, and trial the new Chanel products at Perfumes Plus- I'll see you there!

Will you be dropping by for some time with Chanel today?

big changes...

I'll start with the most obvious of changes: not only did I update the blog header (designed by my friend Doug at dlb designs) over the weekend, but I've also decided to split my current blog into 2 separate blogs. 

I've been covering 2 main areas or niches (local happenings in Saint John and my personal style) that seemed to fit together initially but as my blog grew and changed, so did my audience.

A recent poll I conducted confirmed a statistic I was already familiar with: the majority of my readers reside in Saint John (67%) and a larger precentage (80%) live within in New Brunswick. 

For a while now, Saint John readers have been requesting to see more about local events and things happening in our city. As much as I wanted to do that, I didn't want to push away my other readers outside of the port city. 


So, I decided to transition Maritime Shopaholic into a source to promote shopping local and keeping people up to date about fashion-related events happening in Saint John. I have plans to shape it in a shopping and style guide for the port city. For all locally and fashion related content, I hope you'll continue to read Maritime Shopaholic.

Atlantic Style Diaries is the title of my new personal style blog on which I will share outfit photos, favourite trends and brands, wish-lists, etc. I wanted to be able to participate in the fashion blog community without boundaries to who I could share, network or collaborate with. For further content such as outfit posts, favourite brands and trends, as well as style projects, I hope you'll pop over and check out Atlantic Style Diaries! 

I've also made changes to my Twitter account in that you will now recognize me as @chelsdonaldson (instead of @mshopaholic).

I'm excited about these changes and new creative opportunities and I'll hope there will be a little more for everyone now! 


Please leave a comment- I'd love to hear your thoughts on these changes.

holiday wish-list...

My mom and sister right now are braving the Black Friday crowds across the US border. I almost went with them, if it wasn't for an expired passport (which I forgot about until there wasn't sufficient time to reapply). Of course a trip such as this means serious shopping, so making my holiday wish-list was prompted when my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas.

Plus, with all audio in stores being hijacked by Christmas music already, the crazy snow storm we had 2 days ago, and the fact that Santa comes in exactly a month from today it's starting to feel a lot like Christmas. So I thought I'd share with you what I have on my list!

1. Bowler Hat

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

3. Collar necklace 

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs watch

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses

6. Sequin skirt or leather shorts/skirt

7. Rebecca Minkoff bracelet

8. House of Harlow necklace

9. J.Crew sweater

10. Urban Decay eyeshadow palette

11. Marc by Marc Jacobs earrings

I also asked for a handful of clothing items from Joe Fresh (this blouse, this top, and this dress for starters)- I browsed the last collection at the Superstore after a workout earlier this week and had to exercise restraint from walking out with half of the store! The great thing about items from Joe Fresh are how affordable they are- which makes for great gifts without breaking the bank!

I still like a surprise, so I put way more items on my list than I actually expect to receive. I was never that child digging in the closets or under beds looking for the presents before Christmas...that's how my sister discovered there was no Santa! (Haha.)

What's on your holiday wish-list? 

sunday comfort...

With a snow storm like yesterday, there's nothing I'd prefer to do than curl up in a comfy outfit and hold up indoors with a cup of coffee and a movie, book, or my laptop. When it comes down to putting together a comfortable outfit, nothing beats a long sweater and a pair of leggings. On this particular day, B and I headed out for Starbucks and to run a few errands.

The Outfit  Faux leather jacket: Winners | Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch | Top: American Eagle

Leggings: TNA | Purse: Coach | Boots: Town Shoes | Hat: H&M | Necklace: H&M

Find online: similar leggings, similar jacket, similar hat

Happy Thanksgiving to my American pals! 

work it wednesday....

Sometimes it all comes down to the accessories. You can entirely change the tone or style of an outfit, depending on what you pair the main components with. Trade a necklace for a scarf or pull on boats instead of heels. For this week's Work It Wednesday, I was thought I'd take one simple piece and play with the accessories.  Inspired by one of Who What Wear's trend reports last week, followed by a tempting Diane von Furstenberg email- I decided to remix a classic but neutral Taya shirt dress. 

What I like about this dress is that it speaks comfort like your boyfriend's collared button-up but it has the potential to be paired with more than just flats. Here's a couple of examples I cooked up, for a look that's ready for a variety of occasions. With a modest frock, it allows for some serious bling or wild pattern.

How would you style this shirt dress?

Now if I could only fit this DVF dress into my budget!