spring camouflage...

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I think all this rain we've been drowning in has finally paid off- because finally I'm starting to see leaf buds popping up all over the city! Which is good with my wedding is coming up in 2.5 weeks! I'd hate to see the only greenery be fake with our black and white garden party theme!

I wore this particular outfit on a busy Saturday: first for coffee and shopping uptown with the Katies, then I was off to Charity Chic in search of great finds, followed by a 3 year old's birthday party, and finally a dinner and movie date with Tabor.

 

(Left) Pink OPI nail colour I had painted at Charity Chic.
(Right) Two shades of green nail colour (OPI Gargantuan Grape & Inglot 320) from early in the day

The Outfit

Dress: Lovelygirl- Twisted Muse (Halifax, July '10)

Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch (Bangor, Nov '09)

Tights: We Love Colours in Mocha (ordered online, March '11)

Shoes: Nine West (Freeport, Nov '10)

Headband: Splurge (Halifax, Fall '09)

Gold necklace: Banana Republic (Freeport, Nov '10)

Floral necklace: ESquared- Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, May '11)

When I went to Silver Daisy Designs last week it was actually to look for a necklace to go with my ensemble I have picked out for my bachelorette coming up- however the new stash of ESquared Jewels caught my eye and I easily fell in love with a couple pieces. It took me longer to decide on what I had actually come for while this green floral Esquared piece was a no brainer. I just love the look and feel of what Erin and Emily create.

Remember I said to stay tuned to a special announcement on how you can gain yourself a few more entries into the Urban Shoe Myth Giveaway? Check back at noon today for more details!

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interview with shelley from urban shoe myth

In early March, a new shoe store made it's debut on King Street, in uptown Saint John. Owner Shelley Demerchant, a former construction engineer technologist, traded in her construction boots for something some more feminine footwear.

Hailing from a family of entrepreneurs, she wanted to transform her love of shoes into a real business by filling a niche that has been much needed by the women of the port city. With the growth we've observed in the uptown area, The Urban Shoe Myth was the perfect fit amongst other new venues, be they shops or restaurants.

(Left: Nick & Shelley DeMerchant; Right: Shelley serves customer & local photographer Kelly Lawson)
Photography by Sheldon Parsons

From Idea to Construction: A Shoe Haven is Born

Shelley and Nick DeMerchant moved to Saint John 3 and a half years ago and are now fully immersed within the community. Shelley began to work on her business plan in May of last year. And after receiving financing in October, the project was put into motion.

Design4space did a brilliant job of developing a beautiful concept and bringing to life the modern vintage feel Shelley had envisioned for her store. With it's custom shelving, white hardwood floors, exposed brick, and gorgeous turquoise ceiling, the shoe store is presented as a contemporary space with the original heritage of the building preserved.

Variety is the Spice of Life

You'll find everything from a pair of Hunter rubber boots to a pair of elegant Stuart Weitzman stilettos within The Urban Shoe Myth. There's something to fit within all personal styles. Among the brands you'll find on the shelves, you'll find footwear from the likes of Nine West, Miz Mooz, Seychelles, Michael Kors, and more! Check out the video below for a virtual tour of the store!




Video from uptownsj

Hanging from hooks (maybe with Shelley's own recycled heels!) on the brick walls are purses from Hobo International, Big Buddha, and Erin Templeton.

Shelley also brings in a limited number of handbags and sizes per shoe so that your purchase will be special and not something on everyone else's feet or over their arm.


What's in a Name?

For those of you who are Sex and the City fans (such as myself!), you'll remember when Carrie encountered her own urban shoe myth within the closets of Vogue in Season 5....








Within this gorgeous shoe store fit for the big city, you're bound to find a number of awe-inspiring shoes that you'll find in love with- just like Carrie with her mythical Mary Jane Manolos! I already own a few myself from Shelley's store!


Now the exciting part...

Tomorrow I'll be announcing a giveaway from Urban Shoe Myth!

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sunlight, sun bright...

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I'm so relieved to finally see nicer weather so that I can back outside to shoot my outfit photos! Though, I might add, the temperature could be a little warmer. I ascended the hill that Fort Howe sits on top of the other day and I can tell you it was a particularly windy day! The gusts kept blowing my tripod and camera over so that I would have to leap forward and grab the tripod before it hit the ground. Needless to say, it took a while before I got some good shots!

The Outfit

• Brown top: Joe Fresh (SJ, Dec '10)
• Green top: Joe Fresh (giveaway prize, Mar '11)
• Trousers: ASOS (ordered online, Jan '11)
• Belt: Michael Kors- TJ Maxx (New Hampshire, Apr '09)
• Animal print flats: Nine West (Freeport, Nov '10)
• Feather earrings: Little Burgundy (Montreal, June '10)

Thank you to everyone who has voted on yesterday's post to help me choose my green wedding shoes! If you didn't already have the opportunity to, I'd love to here your opinion. Click here to vote for your favourite from the 3 I've narrowed it down to! I'll be counting the votes until Sunday night and let you know which shoe was most popular on Monday!

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military profile...

For ladies who caught onto the military and utilitarian trends this past fall, you'll be happy to know that they continue to be right-on trend for spring! You'll be able to mix your olives and khakis, your pocketed shirts and skinny cargo pants with lighter layers once the cold weather ceases and the snow starts to melt!

I love the versatility of this snap-up military green top I got from Mango last spring...depending on what I choose to pair it with, it's been suited for all seasons!

The Outfit

• Military shirt: Mango (Toronto, June '10)
• Tank top: Abercrombie (Bangor, Nov '09)
• Pants: Ricki's (SJ, Dec '09)
• Shoes: Nine West (Freeport, Nov '10)
• Belt: American Eagle (SJ, 6-7 yrs ago)
• Necklace: Swarovski (gifted from B, Feb '10)

Again, I apologize that you are staring at my living room wall again! These pictures were from last week. As I mentioned earlier this week, I'm making it my mission to seek out new backdrops where I can still seek shelter from the elements!

My Shoe Collection (Part 1)

So last week I mentioned that I was going to show you my collection of shoes and what I currently own. I've decluttered my closests and narrowed it down only to what I currently wear. The rest will be coming with me to Rhoda's Flea Market on Sunday, February 20 (Saint John's fashionable ladies will be bringing their closets to the Exhibit Park again to find new homes for their pre-loved items...stay tuned!)

With almost 40 piecs of footwear currently in rotation, I thought I'd start off by sharing my heels! One of my resolutions this year has been to "Wear more heels in 2011 and add more wedges/platforms to my collection."
And even with 17 pairs of heels in my spare room closet (which I'm lucky enough that B is letting me currently transform it into a dressing room!)

1. Aldo  2. Unisa  3. Spring  4. Calvin Klein  5. Spring 

6. Aldo  7. Guess  8. Guess  9. Guess  

1. Stuart Weitzman  2. Aldo  3. Nine West  4. Aldo 

5. Aldo  6. Nine West  7. Nine West  8. Aldo

Ok...I love all these shoes, but I'm now noticing a little repetition- there may be good colour variety, but I do not need any more pointy toe pumps, that's for sure! This year I want to expand into more wedges and platforms and really take some risks with my footwear- let's try some edgier stuff!

 So here's to trying something a little different in 2011!

Tomorrow I'm going to share with you someone's shoe closet that I would love to explore... ;)

santa's helper...

Only 5 days away from Christmas! Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping?

Well, I certainly haven't...and I need to get on it! It's funny to think that for all 6 years I was in university, and away for most of that time, I didn't begin my Christmas shopping until sometime after Dec 20th when the assignments, the papers, and all my exams were all out of the way. And I was ok with that. I'd likely still be hunting down the perfect presents come Christmas Eve! But for some reason since entering "the real world" the pressure is on come the beginning of December to get the mission completed! When do you start your shopping? I started out strong in late November, and then got distracted with other festivities! So tonight is the night I have decided I will finish my shopping!

On a related note, I felt this outfit I wore last week was reminiscent of something an elf would wear...I don't know if it's just all the red (a colour I don't typically wear) or the abundance of stripes...but I feel like it'd just need some bells on my shoes and perhaps a green hat topped with a pom-pom and I'd be working in Santa's workshop making toys!

The Outfit

• Red top- Matty M- Winners (Toronto, Dec '08
• Striped top- American Eagle (SJ, Fall '09)
• Brown pants- Ricki's (SJ, Dec '09)
• Belt- American Eagle (SJ, 8-9 yrs ago)
• Necklace- Anne Marie Chagnon- Beckwith & Co. (gifted from my parents, Dec '08)
• Animal print flats- Nine West (Freeport, Nov '10)

Happy last minute shopping to those that are in the same boat as me! And to those who are even done all their wrapping, well I guess you can just kick back and enjoy your egg nog!

sweater craze...

So I bring you another double feature post of outfits from the 30 for 30 Challenge. As I had mentioned before, I`m a little behind on posting since I`ve also been trying to cover other content of interest that has arisen while doing this challenge!  I might be only posting outfits 16 and 17, but I`m actually on Day 25 out of 30! Six more days to go until I can include the rest of my wardobe back into my day to day wear!

The Outfit

Sweater- In Wear- Peepshow Girly Boutique (Halifax, Spring `08)

Tank- American Eagle (ordered online, Aug `09)

Pants- R&W Co. (SJ, May `10)

Shoes- Aldo (ordered online, Oct `10)

Scarf- American Eagle (SJ, Summer `09)

Headband- Splurge (Halifax, Fall `09)

The Outfit

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

Pants- Ricki`s (SJ, Dec `09)

Top- H&M (Toronto, Sept `10)

Belt- Eddie Bauer (Moncton, Aug `06)

Necklace- Banana Republic (Freeport, Nov `10)

Shoes- Nine West (Freeport, Nov `10)

Well fellow remixers, how`s it feel to be almost done? Have you gotten any great outfit ideas or inspiration from other bloggers along the way? I know I have...look for an upcoming post on my favourites from the batch of 337 bloggers doing the 30 for 30 Fashion Challenge! 

TTFF (6): On the wild side...

Top Trends: Fall Fashion (Post #6)

I'm sure you've noticed by now that faux fur is back in full force- a bold statement with a (literally) soft feel that I've fallen hard for- I've added three pieces to my wardrobe this fall. Maybe it's because of all the Rachel Zoe Project I've been watching, I'm not sure. Anyways, if you have ever watched you will know that fur pieces are a Rachel thing: they add instant glam to an outfit (if styled right). And it's not just one furry animal that's popular to imitate: we have a variety of rich, thick faux pieces:

The first two jackets are actually pulled from Rachel Zoe's picks on Piperlime:

Natalia

Loeffler Randall

While a vest is perfect for laying in the milder weather of fall, a faux fur coat will sure be cozy and warm once the winter breezes blow.

Loft

Free People

Jessica (Marvelous Things) shares tips on how to style faux fur.

Tiffany (Just Another Shopaholic) comments on how to wear a fur vest.

Designers have even incorporated faux fur or shearling trim along the hoods of jackets or along the cuffs of shoes: it dresses up an item, adds a little texture. 

          Sam Edelman                        Nine West

                                                    

Animal prints add a bit of pop or boldness to an outfit, but the key is not to overindugle: little bits here and there to accessorize a look rather than hijack it with spots and stripes.

Layer it in...

Joie

Rebecca Taylor

                                          

Bag it or clutch it...

              

                                         Abas                                             Street Level

Melie Biano                               Foley + Corrina

                                     

Or let your feet take a walk on the wild side...

      

Calvin Klein                         Ralph Lauren

       

L.A.M.B                             Jessica Simpson

       

Nine West                              Steve Madden

                          

 Check out how these fellow bloggers brought out their wild sides: 

Anna Katrina (Passport Glamour)

Ashley (Breakfast at Saks)

Frickys (Fric Chic)

Kelly (The Glamourai)

Kristina (Pretty Shiny Sparkly) 

Nicole (Le Mode Du Jour)

Niki (A Haute Mess)