new summer staples...

The item of clothing I fell in love with most the other weekend at the Sympli Trunk Show hosted by PGal's Closet were these sage palazzo pants! (I picked them up when B & I went to start a wedding registry there earlier this week!) Not only are they the most comfortable bottoms I've ever worn, they are really versatile in that you can dress them up or you can dress them down. They are soft, light-weight, and stretchy- and I can see them as being a potential wardrobe staple this spring and summer.

The Outfit 

• Jean jacket- Bluenotes (SJ, April '11)
• Tank top- Alternative Apparel- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, March '10)
• Palazzo pants- Sympli- PGal's Closet (Rothesay, April '11)
• Sandals- Steve Madden- The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, April '11)
• Necklace- designed and gifted by my friend Jaclyn a few years ago

Two items that are popping up in my outfit photos for a 2nd time this week are my jean jacket and wedge sandals. I have a feeling you might see these two a lot over this summer! I've always envisioned a jean jacket for so many looks and I finally got around to picking one up last week. It's something that goes with almost anything, adds a feeling of "effortless cool", and not something you have to spend a lot of money on. And these sandals with a modest wedge go with so many things in my wardrobe- I'll be likely if I don't wear them out by the end of the summer!

I realized I haven't seen anyone else wearing sandals yet! Is it just me or have anyone else starting showing off their toes yet?

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trunk show at PGal's...

Typically, I'm the one who gets to hide behind the camera in attendance at local fashion shows and events. Saturday, I had my "runway debut", having been invited to participate in a trunk show at PGal's Closet for the new clothing line they were carrying. Sympli, a Canadian clothing line, is a unique collection of multiple garments coming in an array of colours (36 to be exact). On Saturday evening, store owner Patricia Gallagher invited her customers to a fun, fashionable event that MC'ed by Normand Hector. All the ladies she asked to model the clothing are women of all shapes.

(Left): Judith Mackin and Patricia Gallagher, with Donna Williamson browse Boutique Zekara's beautiful footwear collection, which were also featured in the trunk show.
(Right): Dee Fraser has her make-up done by one of the Merle Norman make-up artists at Boutique Zekara. 

(Left): Patricia Gallagher, PGal herself, owner of PGal's Closet & Country Treasures in Rothesay.

(Right): Patricia's daughter Baye Husband with clipboard in hand: stylist for the evening, behind-the-scenes coordinator!

(Left): Our garments for the show, hanging on the rack!

(Right): Baye showing the lovely Kelly Lynch one of her outfits.

(Left): Wonderfully energetic Sandra Miller and Dee Fraser back stage (in the stock room)!

(Right): Everyone getting dressed and getting organized! As you can see, the models were being well taken care of with drinks and a tastey spread!

(Left): My make-up was done by Giovanna from Merle Norman Studios and my hair curled by Amy at Darrell Allen.

(Right): My toes are painted with Chanel's Paradoxal and on my feet are lovely wedge sandals from The Shoe Fanaddict within Boutique Zekara! 

(Left): Kelly having the finishing touches done on her hair.

(Right): Colourful veggies and grapefruit martinis that were awaiting us at the end of the "runway"!

(Above): Some of the lovely ladies in attendance (I spy Becky, Candace, Heather, Emma & Kiera!) checking out Judith's Sympli outfit.

(Above): My last outfit of the night! I am in love with these palazzo pants in sage: I must have them.

In a "fashion world" where body awareness is popular and so is form fitting styling, Sympli is a clothing line that is made of an incredibly comfortable, stretchy fabric, and forgives and flatters the body at the same time. Although purchasing pieces from this collection isn't cheap, neither is the quality. Really, I should have found the tag and found out what miracle fabric this was. I was able to wear sizes across the board comfortably. Well some of the ladies could appreciate the "spanx" affect of some of the garments, I can honestly say there is no risk of the dreaded muffin top. I have to tell you, it's some of the most comfortable clothing I've ever worn- even moreso than my pjs- and this you can wear out to dinner or a party!   

It was so fun to be a part of this event, allowed me to try something new, and meet some really great women! To check out the styles and colours that the Sympli collection comes in, be sure to visit Patricia at PGal's Closet in Rothesay!

P.S. Barb (of BarbBarbBarb) was also in attendance- be sure to check out her blog post from the trunk show!

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all that glitters...

Friday night a few of us gathered for drinks uptown at Katie's apartment with the intentions of visiting the recently opened Canterbury Lounge. We were disappointed when we arrived at the door to find out they were closed for a private function...maybe better luck next time? Everyone's been telling me how fabulous it is! Instead we enjoyed banana strawberry margaritas on Mexi's patio.

The Outfit

1. 
   
   White blouse- American Eagle (Saint John, 2 1/2 years ago)
2. 
   
   Blue sequined shorts- H&M (Montreal, June '10)
3. 
   
   Black studded gladiator sandals- Aldo (Toronto, Dec '09)
4. 
   
   Yellow clutch- Coach (gift from Kristen, April '10)
5. 
   
   Earrings- c/o Silver Daisy Designs (Saint John, August '10)
6. 
   
   Blue fabric hair piece- gift from Kristen (Spain, June '10)
7. 
   
   Metal flower ring- PGal's Closet (Rothesay, August '10)

I really enjoy these sequined shorts. They're very comfortable and instantly add some glam to any outfit! And I love these new earrings made by Kate at Silver Daisy Designs! Have you been to the new store on King Street? I visited on Friday afternoon and will be posting a feature on this adorable shop later today!

These photos were taken on Germain Street uptown- I would love to live on this street- the historic buildings are beautiful and there's lots of greenery! We're moving soon and finding a place here would be my top choice!

rock chic

Last Friday, I had a few drinks with Shauna and Carolyn before we headed up to the usual watering hole, our city's irish pub O'Leary's. Before I headed across town to join the other girls, I was pulling articles of clothing out of my closet, trying to decide what to wear. Our original plan was to head down to the boardwalk and have a couple drinks on the patio, but as I was getting ready to get out, the clouds opened out and down came the rain.

I figured sitting outside was likely going to be a little too wet after the cats and dogs started to come down. I wasn't entirely sure if I should still dress as warmly as I had planned to before. I had a tutu skirt on one side of my bed and a pair of skinny jeans on the other. I usually like to dress up in a skirt every chance I get. Eventually I went with the jeans, figuring it was more practical, whatever we ended up doing. I decided layers was the best way to go and I pulled out a leather cuff I hadn't had a chance to wear yet. I piled on the necklaces and went with an edgier look.

The Outfit

1. Silk tank with beading- Matty M- Winners (Toronto, Dec '09)
2. Grey blazer- RW & Co (SJ, May '10)
3. Pin-stripe vest- RW & Co. (SJ, Sept '08)
4. Skinny jeans- Nissi Jeans- Pseudio (SJ, April '10)
5. Black heels- Guess- Winners (Toronto, Sept '08)
6. Metal flower ring- PGal's Closet (Rothesay, Aug '10)
7. Heart locket- Splurge (Halifax, Spring '08) 
8. Big link necklace- American Eagle (SJ, Dec '09)
9. Long multi-charm necklace- H&M (Toronto, Dec '08)
10. Leather wrist cuff- male accessory section @ H&M (Dartmouth, July '10)

Finally planning to check out the recently opened Canterbury Lounge this weekend! Can't wait!


Please help me win a Marc Jacobs purse! Click here to visit Chictopia's Facebook page and "like" my comment on their wall (you have to "like" Chictopia first). To enter the contest we had to leave a comment with our 5 essential items in our bag. The girl with the most "likes" of their wall comment will win a Totally Turnlock Percy Bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs! I have until this Sunday (August 15) to seek all the help I can get! If you have a minute, please help me out!

what's in pgal's closet?

I'm surprised when even I come across shops I've never heard of...especially when they are hidden gems. I had to travel out of the city this time, but I didn't go far and it was definitely worth it. PGals Closet "tweeted" me on twitter, inviting me out to the valley to visit their shop. I was more than happy to and asked if it was ok if my camera tagged along...

Patricia Gallagher, known also as PGal, created an appealing store for women to browse all things feminine, sophisticated, and stylish. Already owning and running Country Treasures (a lovely shop that carries a variety of homeware and giftware items), she also wanted to be create a retail space that reflected her own style and personality. And that was when the boutique PGal's Closet emerged.

The store is tastefully decorated in colours pink, black and white and all merchandise is organized and displayed in a very esthetically pleasing manner. The store is just so pretty it's fit for a princess!

I was promptly greeted when I entered the store and I was so glad I got the chance to meet and chat with Patricia and her daughter Baye, who are both very lovely and friendly! To listen to Patricia talk about her store, you can  tell how much she enjoys what she does and how dedicated she is to helping her customers find the right items.

Baye & Patricia

As I said in my very first post on this blog, I'm all about supporting local businesses- in order for our favourite places (shops, restaurants, bars, etc.) to be there for us, we need to be there for them! One thing I like about smaller local shops in (and around) this city is the personable service you often find- which I definitely found present inside PGal's Closet.

Now I'll get to the good stuff and give you a sneak preview of what is in PGal's Closet...

Check out the pretty bling...

There are lots of girly goodies...

Principessa beauty products

Wine accessories

Wishing you could lay back in Rome or New York?

Are you a Diva if you don't get your Beauty Sleep?

Ok, and now I'll share a few of my favourites items!

1.Pretty pink cocktail glasses and black sophicated martini glasses

2. Glam pens (how I love feathers and sparkles!)

3. Cute and sassy piggy bank and the mugs.

4. Lovely scented candles (this was my fav of the Tocca candles)

5. Roll on perfume (bellocia was my fav scent)

6. Funky, stylish rings (I bought the one on the top row, second from the left)

7. Umbrellas with cheeky sayings...

I prefer umbrellas in my cocktails

When does it start raining men?

You'll be happy to know they also gift wrap:

I loved the fancy old fashioned looking register!

I didn't show you all the things PGal's Closet has to offer, so you are going to have to go look for yourself! Oh, and another little tidbit of info: for those brides-to-be such as myself, they offer a wedding gift registry.

PGal's Closet is on top of social media tools.

Click the links below to tweet, follow, like, or find out more info!

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Right now they are having The Boss Is Away Sale! Patricia is away buying new products at the Toronto Gift Show and while she is gone they are offering 20% off all in-store stock!