3 things: 3 fall trends to love!

So the fall shopping has begun. For some reason, despite the fact that I don't have a "convenient" back-to-school reason to shop anymore once September hits, I still always have a list of needs and wants. Here are 3 items that still top that list right now:

  

1. Coloured Denim

Photos & Prices from Piperlime & American Eagle

a) Paige Denim $179.00  |  b) J Brand $176.00  |  c) American Eagle $44.11

People may have heard me talk about how much I've been in love with J Brand's red jeans over the last couple of months. I hesitated on this purchase just because I couldn't bring myself to spend $176+ on a trend I wasn't entirely sure would last multiple seasons, despite the fact that I love them. I did spring for J Brand's olive cargos for a pricey detail last year, but these are a pant that have already lasted multiple seasons of still being relevant. To solve my indecisiveness over the matter, when American Eagle was having a 40% off sale this past weekend, I came across a red jegging on their website- sold!

Another colour for denim that I can see being popular for fall would be in a burgundy- although you may still have to hand over a larger fee for those too, word on the street says that Joe Fresh will be bringing in a more affordable pair...

2. Tie-Neck Blouses

Photos & Prices from Piperlime

a) Ark & Co. $49.00  |  b) Marc by Marc Jacobs $278.00  |  c) Rachel Zoe $295.00

This style of blouse always makes me think Rachel Zoe therefore I wasn't surprise to see it in her collection for fall! (Despite the fact the it's a big hit for fall, the fact that it's reminiscent of RZ to me is enough to sell me on it.) Although the Marc Jacobs and Rachel Zoe blouses are among my favourite, there are more affordable blouses on Piperlime that I would likely give in to first because they wouldn't be as harmful to my bank account.

  

3. Hiker Booties

Photos & Prices from Piperlime

a) DV by Dolce Vita $89.00  |  b) Enzo Angiolini $139.00  |  c) Lucky Brand $129.00 

Actually, I'm a little torn between the hiker bootie (featured above), riding boots, and motorcycle boots for fall. Frankly, I am just craving a new pair of boots! I'll end up buying them locally though, rather then online. The hiker bootie is incredibly cute though- it mixes rugged and feminine and I like that sort of oxymoron combo- it means you could sport them with jeans, or wear 'em with a skirt or dress! If I don't go for a flat pair of boots this fall, I'll be keeping the heel to a minimum or a wedge- much more practical, thereby increasing my future cost-per-wear!

Alright, now that I've shared a few fall must-haves, I have 2 questions for you:

1. What particular pieces are you excited about this fall?
2. Does anyone (in the Saint John area) want to go in on a Piperlime order with me...? :)

february florals...

I intend to make greater efforts in making my back drops a little more interesting or appealing than my living room wall. I have to admit, the winter cold has been a bit discouraging and I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to dropping temperatures. It's been a few years since I've seen this much snow and banks this high.

 

The Outfit

• Floral top: Do & Be- Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, Jan '11) 
• White shirt: American Eagle (SJ, Winter '09)
• Skinny cargos: Paige- Envy (SJ, Sept '10)
• Sweater: Kensie (won in online contest, Oct '10)
• Boots: Aldo (gifted from parents, Dec '09)

But the nature of my backgrounds isn't the only goal I've recently considered when it comes to my blog and content. If anyone was present at the Independent Fashion Bloggers Evolving Influence Conference in NYC last Thurday (so jealous!) or, like me, tuned into the livestream, I'm sure you won't hesitate to agree that the words of advice and insight served from the panel discussions were valuable and inspiring. I know it's made me jumpstart a brainstorm, tap into my inner creativity, and start a list of to-dos.

With the word blogger becoming saturated term, it takes real work to find your niche, talk about something you know, and continously work at improving your blog...all the mean while trying to stay with, or even ahead of the curve. A blog needs to be attractive to your readers to keep their attention. And IFB's conference content, presented some novel ideas (to me) to inspire some upcoming changes you will see on my blog!

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!

earth tones...

I have to say my favourite colours to wear fall under Mother Nature's palette. Not only are earth tones such as green and brown tend to be warm and flattering colours, but they are neutral enough to be intermixed with other many other shades.

The Outfit

Brown sweater- Kensie- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Sept '10)

Brown tee- American Eagle (SJ, Oct '10)

Skinny cargos- Paige- Envy (SJ, Oct '10)

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

Gold headband- Splurge (Halifax, Fall '09)

Oxfords- Aldo (Halifax, Sept '10)

In this photo, you get to see our new outdoor Christmas mat! I will admit, it's the only piece of Christmas decor that's out (but only because I just bought it), but I can't wait to deck the halls! When do you think it's no longer too early to decorate for the Holidays?

cozy & comfortable...

...is how I would describe my new Kensie faux fur cardigan (see last post) that I won from their Watch Me Change Giveaway. (Thank you!) The Kensie website now features an online store and you can even get $25 off your first purchase!

Last night I had just gotten back from Miramichi where I had been away for work purposes the last few days. And my Saturday I was to have an early morning attending a course, so sitting, listening, and learning for the majority day required an outfit that would be comfortable (accompanied by morning caffeine)!

This was the first opportunity I had gotten to wear the faux fur cardigan since it arrived on my doorstep Wednesday via Fedex. As a neutral colour it's fairly easy to pair with items already in my closet. Since it provides a little more bulk to my shape on top, I choose a pair of bottoms that were slimming: my skinny cargos. I also threw on a lovely headband I had picked up at Silver Daisy's grand opening (and 20% off sale) as I went out the door. I was glad I choose a warm sweater and boots because I easily get cold but managed stayed warm throughout the day.

This is also the first day I used my tripod! The one I had wanted (cheapest that was fully adjustable) was out of stock when I went to Futureshop this week, but I left the store with the display model for $10 off the price!

The Outfit

Sweater- Kensie (won from blog giveaway, Oct '10)

Skinny cargos- Paige- Envy (SJ, Oct '10)

Brown tee- American Eagle (SJ, Oct '10)

Headband- Silver Daisy (SJ, Oct '10)

Brown boots- Aldo (Christmas gift from parents, Dec '09)

Necklace- Charm Diamond Center (gift from Ben, May '10)

biker chic

Yesterday afternoon I headed uptown to meet Katie, sip on a Starbucks latte, and then set off on a browsing venture of the clothing racks in Pseudio and Je Suis Prest Boutique. I was on a mission to find an animal print tank or t-shirt, with little luck. I am a bit surprised that I've scoured the shops of Saint John and haven't come up with much given that animal prints are on trend right now. But I have to admit, we're seeing them mostly in accessories (scarves, shoes, etc.) or in the form of faux fur coats and vests. I just had a desire to pair my new Paige skinny cargos with some feline-esque stripes or spots. Instead, I settled for another cute top from Pseudio, to be featured in an upcoming post.

The Outfit

Faux leather jacket- Winners (Toronto, Sept '10)

Long grey tee- Abercrombie (New Hampshire, April '09)

Black leggings- TNA- Aritzia (Toronto, Sept '08)

Black and gold skinny belt- Chinese Laundry- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, Oct '10)

Black wedge booties- Aldo (Toronto, Sept '10)

Gold chain headband- Club Monaco (Halifax, July '10)

Black leather purse- Coach (Toronto, Sept '10)

The reason I chose this particular ensemble- the cotton pieces make it oh so comfy but the leather (real and not) give it a bit of edge to dress it up a bit. 

meeting of fashionable minds...

Today I had lunch with 2 ladies that have fabulous style: my favourite store owner, Kiera, and one of my favourite bloggers, Kate. If you aren't already shopping at Je Suis Prest Boutique, you should, and if you aren't already following O My Heart!, you should! These girls are not only sweet and friendly, they have impectable taste if you are looking for sources of inspiration for your wardrobe.

On this very windy Thursday we ate lunch at the Urban Deli and hung out with Kiera at her store. It was nice to meet Kate in person for the first time since coming across her blog this spring! Kiera snapped my outfit photos today in her store- didn't she do a great job with Halloween decor? I asked Kate to hop in my last picture with me. I realize now that standing under bright lights does nothing but wash me out! (I need stage make-up!)

The Outfit

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

Brown v-neck tee- American Eagle (SJ, Oct '10)

Skinny cargos- Paige Premium Denim- Envy (SJ, Oct '10)

Brown wedges- Aldo (Spring '10)

I just got my hair cut yesterday at Reflections Day Spa (my aunt has been cutting my hair as long as I can remember!)

Interesting little tid bit on my t-shirt: it was originally $19.50, on sale for $9.99, plus 30% off sale items: $6.99! I'm not sure it's still on, but it is definitely worth browsing American Eagle's racks with 30% off sale items!

Just to keep this in the back of your minds, Je Suis Prest Boutique will be having a fashion show at the Canterbury Lounge next month: I'll keep you posted on upcoming details!

the wait pays off...

So Friday not only marked the first day of October, but also the day I visited Envy to claim my Paige skinny cargos! For the past month I've been paying towards them on lay away: the shopaholic's source for enabling expensive taste!

In late August the girls at Envy convinced me to try on the J Brand Houlihans and the Paige cargo skinnies. I was playing with fire because of course I had to go and fall in love!

Although I appreciate how great Houlihans look on other stylish ladies, they weren't for me. I loved the darker olive shade of the stretchy Paige pair. I know I really splurged on this one, but skinny cargos really topped my list of fall must haves!  And I hear they will be sticking around for spring... but I tend to go with what looks good, and what feels comfortable! And I will tell you that these are incredibly comfy!

The Outfit

• 
  
  Faux leather jacket- Winners (Toronto, Sept '10)
• 
  
  Brown tank- Club Monaco (Halifax, March '07)
• 
  
  Skinny cargos- Paige Premium Denim- Envy (SJ, Oct '10)
• 
  
  Snake print heels- Guess- Manchester Shoe Salon (SJ, Feb '09)
• 
  
  Hat- Urban Outfitters (Montreal, June '10)
• 
  
  Necklace- Splurge (Halifax, Feb '07)

That night I was heading uptown to Katie's apartment for a girl's night of drinks and dancing. We found ourselves dancing at the Canterbury Lounge, followed by very tastey hotdogs on the street corner!

I know of a few girls that did, but did anyone else take advantage of Envy's tax free weekend? If so, do share what you purchased!

Coincidently, Kate of O My Heart! is wearing skinny cargos too in her blog post today! Check out her outfit by clicking here.

TTFF (3): the "it" pant

This fall, the military/utilitarian trend continues on steady and strong. From jackets, to shirts, to purses, to pants...we're seeing structured olives and khakis with pockets and metal fasteners and adornments. I like the look and I like the colours- these neutral shades make it easy to match military with many existing articles already hanging in your closet. Also, skinny styles are my favourite when it comes to pants- they also tend to have spandex as part of their composition (this means stretchy, which = comfort)!

One particular article under this trend that has become fairly popular is the skinny cargo pant. This summer, many celebs sported them and as fall crept close. many brands have fashioned their own versions. My personal favourite is the Paige skinny cargo (which Envy is currently carrying)- within the month they shall be mine!

Check out who's has been wearing a pair of skinny cargos and then keep scrolling down for a collaboration I've put together featuring many olive skinnies (and where to find them)!

Many a celeb has been seen sporting them out and about...

Hilary Duff, Khloe Kardasian, Ciara

Jessica Alba, Rhianna, Gwen Stefani, Hilary Duff (again)

Rachel Bilson                                 Leighton Meester

 You'll also be seeing them pop up on fashion blogs.

Seeing them on "regular girls", I personally find, is more inspiring for current and upcomming trends!

Check out Nicole's blog, le mode du jour, to view her great style sense. In the above photo, she is wearing a pair of Costa Blanca skinny cargo pants. Nicole, a fellow Canadian, hails from the opposite coast, in Vancouver. Follow le mode du jour on Facebook, Twitter, and Bloglovin'

 Right now, despite the fact that we've begun the descent towards fall, the heat still barges on. The last few days I've refused to go anywhere that hasn't been air conditions because of the humidity! So, here on the east coast, most of us are not pulling pants from our closets lately. But when it's time to do some pants shopping, here's a visual to consider:

Skinny Cargos by MaritimeShopaholic featuring (left to right, top row first):

• Paige Cargo
• J Brand Houlihan skinny cargo pants
• Frankie B. Women's Maury Skinny Cargo Jean
• Current/Elliot low-rise skinny cargo jeans
• Women's AE Military Jegging
• Lucky Brand Jeans Skinny Cargo
• Free People Skinny Military Cargo 
• Vince Cargo Ankle Jeans
•  7 For All Mankind Josefina Cargo Pants
•  Alice + Olivia Distressed Skinny Cargo Pants
• Citizens of Humanity Hope cargo skinny pants

What are your feelings on skinny cargos? Love 'em or leave 'em?