summer perfection...

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Today I had hoped to have my book review up for Jessica Quirk's book, What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style. Just released on July 5, I enjoyed reading her suggestions for building a versatile wardrobe and viewing the cute illustrations that go along with them. Didn't quite get a chance to finish up my review- so look for that tomorrow. For today, I'll tide you over with an outfit post!

I'd define Friday as one of those perfect summer days- sunny skies and just hot enough that you can sport bare legs and don't need a sweater. Thought it was the perfect opportunity to pull this dress out of my closet- I gained this hooded halter dress for a steal in a silent auction at Silver Daisy's fashion social fundraiser back in March.

The Outfit

• Dress: Three Stones- Silver Daisy Designs (SJ, Mar '11)
• Sandals: Sam Edelman- Olam (Montreal, June '09)
• Belt: American Eagle (SJ, at least 8 yrs ago)
• Sunglasses: Michael Kors- TJMaxx (New Hampshire, April '09)
• Bracelet- Joe Fresh (won in Rebecca's giveaway, Mar '11)

So this is my first time posting since Google implemented a new look for Blogger as part of rebranding. The only contention I had at first was the fact that they've messed with the layout and moved all the buttons around. Like any changes, it just takes a few introductions to get used to it. Sometimes when it isn't broke, do you really need to fix it? But, overall, now that I got over the hijacking of Blogger's interface, it might actually be a step up with it's new look. Thankfully my blog will still look the same on the outside, so it shouldn't be affect you! No unwanted surprises there! How have other fellow Blogger users made out with this transition?

  

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lesson learned...

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With a 25% off discount to Coach burning a hole in my pocket, I gave into a little retail therapy amongst all the wedding planning. My sister decided to go in on the order and we were both a little shocked in how much we had to pay for duty and shipping! Despite their US origins, it would be nice to not have to pay so much for a package coming from our neighbouring country. (I've spent less on goods coming from the UK!) It's also hard to anticipate additional costs from duty and taxes and it seems most of the good stores we're going to order online are across the border. 

   

The Outfit 

• Purse: Coach (ordered online, May '11)
• Jeggings: Guess- Envy (SJ, Dec '10)
• Floral tank: Free People- Je Suis Prest Boutique (SJ, May '11)
• Cardigan: American Eagle (SJ, Sept '08)
• Necklace: Aldo Accessories (Toronto, June '10)
• Belt: French Connection (Toronto, June '10)
• Sandals: Steve Madden- The Urban Shoe Myth (SJ, April '11)
• Sunglasses: Michael Kors- TJ Maxx (New Hampshire, April '09)

However, I did later learn that I could have called the Coach store in Halifax and have them ship me the purse from their store for less...oh why didn'tI know this beforehand?  Despite the duty costs, I do love my new draw-string cross-body. (Once you go crossbody you never go back!) And we still saved more than a few pretty pennies with the discount. Now that it's all said and done with, I try to look on the bright side and pass on this little piece of knowledge so that someone else might benefit from my learning experience!

 

And speaking of savings- you could save yourself a $100 on a new pair of shoes if you've entered The Urban Shoe Myth Giveaway! Do it now! For those of you who already have, stayed tuned- tomorrow I'm going to tell you how you can get a couple more entries- even if you've already maxed out all the previous opportunities!

 

 

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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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country casual...

The first thing I aim to achieve when I put an outfit together is comfort: fabrics that have movement and flexibility; clothing that layers well. This is the 2nd wear for this flannel button during the 30 for 30. It's probably the most casual piece I added to the set and it's been worn both times on lazy days, running errands and just needing to get from point A to point B. I met my friend Steph for coffee uptown and then we browsed the shops as well as the Christmas Craft vendors in Brunswick Square. Businesses and shops have been decorated for the Holidays since the cobwebs and jack o'laterns of Halloween were put away, but this Sunday kicked off Christmas shopping and extended hours...the Holidays are really starting to set in!

The Outfit

Plaid flannel shirt- Joe Fresh Style (SJ, Oct '10)

Skinny jeans- Nissi- Pseudio (SJ, April '10)

Belt- Eddie Bauer (Moncton, Aug '06)

Boots- Aldo (gift from my parents; Dec '09)

Gold bow necklace- Splurge (Halifax, Spring '09)

Sunglasses- Michael Kors- TJ Maxx (New Hampshire, April '09)

This week is going to be a busy one for me! Monday evening, I attended Reflection Day Spa's Customer Appreciate Event- for which a blog post will follow this one later today. Tonight is Market Square's Viva La Diva fashion show and event, which will be followed by Je Suis Prest Boutique's sold out Holiday Fashion Party at Canterbury Lounge- both events that I've very much been looking forward to this month!

Other fun events that are on my list include Rhoda's Christmas Celebration Flea Market at Harbour Station as well as Saint John's Santa Claus Parade. Check out more uptown events via the Uptown Sparkles, list found on the Uptown Directory.

If you are attending Viva La Diva this evening, I'll see you there!

P.S. Just wanted to let you in on something I'm very excited about: I'm hosting my first blog giveaway later this week! Stay tuned ;)

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!

to market, to market...

I've taken the title of this post from a season 6 episode of Sex and the City, except where Carrie went to the stock market, I went to the Kingston Market on the penisula today. However, last night I did have a bit of a Sex and the City night last night- dinner and cocktails with 3 girl friends.This morning it was a country drive for Katie, Erin, Nancy and I on our way to the market.

Emu anyone?

Stands of organic veggies...

Fresh cut flowers and hand picked berries...

Pretty little frocks and hand sewn pillows...

Home-made jam and jellies...

Flavourful wines...

(I bought a bottle of raspberry)

Tastey samples...

Live music...

Busy crowds...

Hand made soaps

Lovely earrings...

(adored the funky feather ones)

Cooked foods of all varieties...

Delicious cheesecake...

(don't touch, this one is all mine!)

The adventure continues with checking out swimming holes...

...and waterfalls!

And last but not least, there was a road side stop to visit some alpacas!

Today's Outfit

(nothing particuarly fancy)

1. 
   
   top- Odd Molly Uncorporated- Wildflower (Halifax, May '07)
2. 
   
   bermuda shorts- American Eagle (May '08)
3. 
   
   sandals- Clarks- Winners (Spring ;10)
4. 
   
   purse- Guess- Walsh Lugguage (Feb '09)
5. 
   
   sunglasses- Michael Kors- TJMaxx (April '09)
6. 
   
   ring- received at Marielle's bachelorette last weekend

I've loved the top above since I bought it (which is good, considering the price tag that had been attached to it). I was watching MTV's Downtown Girls (one of my guilty pleasures) and during one particular episode I saw Klo wearing the same top! (Please excuse the blurriness of the still-frame.)

Well this was a fairly lengthy post. Today's follow up activities to the market and penisula sights will be a drop in at a family reunion as well as toasting a beer (or a glass of raspberry wine) to a friend's new apartment later this evening! Hope you all have a lovely Saturday eve!