Minor Absence

Yes, I've been M.I.A for quit a whiles.

I'm happy to announce (in a very delayed response time) that I am the new Buyer & Manager of Brand Promotion for Mills in Halifax. 

It  is a very exciting time for the store as we plan on beginning a new venture, with a new set of owners at a brand new location. Stay tuned for more details on the grand opening!

Instead of carefully crafting a post, I want to share with you my latest article in local fashion magazine, Reginald. 

I hope you enjoy :

This or That

I love how fashion makes it possible to put on your thinking cap. Mixing prints and patterns. Experimenting with textures. And switching up the traditional use for items.

Daywear can be subbed into after 5. Beachwear for afternoon lunch’s. And my current fav, pajamas for street wear.

I’m not referencing the era when we wore lingerie as tops – we all remember that shady time. Flashbacks of neon lace and satin-paired back to light wash flared jeans and kitten heels still scar my dreams.

Or the time I decided to go as a “bedbug” for Halloween by wearing one of mom’s plaid flannel nightshirts. Oh yes, that happened.

Think of this as boudoir chic – a sexy casual – roll out of bed look. This trend has been around for a while now but I still can’t get enough of it. Ever since Julie Sarinana from sincerely, jules stepped out for the Victoria Secrets’ Fashion Show a few months back in a red and white polka dot shirt, I’ve been coveting the look.

The best part is, you can make it your own. Whether you want to keep it casual and go with a fun print and boyfriend jeans, or a silky solid and leather pants, it’s a trend that every style choice can participate in.

Maybe that’s why I like it so much, because not all trends are for everybody. The vintage Levi’s trend that blew up last summer for example - it takes a certain body type and confidence to pull that off.

I like fashion that has function – not just something a size 2, 20 something year old can pull off. You know something is working when you and your mom can wear the exact same trend and both look equally awesome. That reminds, note to self: get Rebecca Minkoff studded clutch back from mom’s closet.

Thank you :)

New Year's Eve Throwback

Happy 2013 Everyone - slight belated I know. But I wanted to share with you the inspiration behind my outfit selected to ring in the new year.

pants : Pink Boutique / blouse : Vince / necklace : Anne Klein 

I based my entire look around some killer sequin pants I found on a UK based website called Pink Boutique. Who wants sequins pants? Well I did. In fact, I developed an insane obsession with finding a pair of my own after I stumbled upon a picture on twitter.

This gem of a look is from @PrettyGrlProb. She posts hilarious tweets that most girls can relate too and amazing outfit inspirations. Instantly I feel in love with this look and needed to replicate it.

@PrettyGrlProb

After the pants arrived, and fitted perfectly I must add- thank you online shopping gods - I went to work on assembling the missing pieces. To my closet I went and pulled out a pair of stiletto pointy toed suede pumps for footwear and a graphic tee. But to my disappointment, the tee failed in comparison to the original. So on went my thinking cap as I snuck into Mumsie's closet. After a little tweaking and tucking, I made her beautiful black silk asymmetrical blouse do the trick. 

Jewels, another road block. My beloved statement necklace gave in to the hundreds of wears it has endured over the last few years and crumbled to the floor. In a fluster, I made a last minute trip to The Bay. After some serious searching, I found the perfect necklace and it was at a steal of a bargain. 

Voila!

I must gloat slightly for a moment. Danielle, from the street style blog WE WORE WHAT?, dawned a very similar, if not exact, look for New Year's Eve. Who stole whose look?

Ok Winter, Go Away.

Stores and online sites have begun launching their transitional and spring deliveries. I'm already ready to fold away my cashmeres for the season and begin thinking what trends I want to partake in. 

I was very lucky to have had the privilege of previewing many of top contemporary, advanced contemporary and designer collections back in September. In fact, while in the Diane Von Fursetenberg showroom, Diane herself was in the room during the showing. It was so inspiring to see this incredible woman in action and I developed an over whelming urge to buy a printed shift dress.

Now, take a look-see at a few of the pieces on the market now i feel will make great staples in your Spring 2013 wardrobe.

Joe's Jeans Vintage Reserve Skinny / Diane Von Furstenberg Cici Sweater / Tibi Dropped Shoulder Coat / Rebecca Minkoff Swing Bag / ShoeMint Abi Bootie / Lionette Chappaqua Necklace

I've recently been gravitating towards Joe's Jeans these days. Their fit is just so damn flattering. I'm not sure if it's because I've picked up my gym routine the last few weeks so the bod is looking differently, but Joe's seem to be my fit these days. I'd like to shout out to Aimee Song of "Song of Style" for reintroducing me to this amazing brand.  

Tibi, Diane Von Furstenberg and Rebecca Minkoff are brands that I've mentioned a ton already on my blog so I don't feel like I need to justify the items above - they speak from themselves. These are three amazingly strong woman designers who have come up on top. Did you know Rebecca Minkoff gained the most new twitter followers during New York Fashion Week back in September? I think that number was over 30,000. You go girl.

What's that necklace you ask? Lionette is a jewellery line  I recently stumbled upon while browsing Chriselle Lim's "The Chriselle Factor" blog. I find it resembles the look of Dannijo but more simplistic. I love it, and feel like we'll be seeing much more from the brand.   

Booties, Booties, Booties Everywhere

The bootie. Such a crucial staple in every woman's wardrobe, especially this season. It is possibly one of the most practical purchases - trendy yet versatile. 

I went a little over board on this item this season. But I found it hard to pick just one, because there are so many styles and variations. So I narrowed the wish list to three.

Very Volatile - Bombay - Twisted Muse

Jeffrey Campbell - Rumble - Little Burgundy

ShoeMint - Abi

All of these can cover at least two looks. Casual and dressy. Which makes getting dressed in the morning super easy if making the transition from a day to night outfit. 

I know what you're thinking ... it's a black bootie, come on Lindsay, why more than one?! The shape of the shoe really gives your outfit a pop. The separate heel styles (wedge, chunky and stiletto) give your shoe closet versatility without going over board on style options. 

A key tip when purchasing pieces (especially investment pieces) is to make sure they can carry over your outfits. This way you don't end up with an item that is so outfit specific it ends up covered in dust at the bottom of your closet.

Now, we can not forget novelty. If you are willing to get a bit daring, an already have your basics covered. Step out of your comfort zone and try something trendy. I've loved the style bootie ever since I saw Elin Kling wearing the Chloe Studded Leather Buckle Ankle Bootie last year.

As much as I pinned over these beauty, I couldn't justify them. However, like any trend, as time went on other shoe companies started replicating the look for less.

Chloe $1,398

Vince Camuto $145

ShoeMint $79

There you have it, the look for less! Obviously the attention to detail and quality are not in the lesser versions, however, with something that is so trendy I think it is a fair trade off. Cost per wear people.

Spreading The Holiday Spirit

The holiday season is in full fledged effect. I find, bit by bit, the meaning of the season gets lost  amongst the hustle and bustle. Look at your shopping mall for example, it's crazy. So many people crammed in lines, crowding over each other, trying to purchase that perfect gift for that someone special. This to me, defeats the purpose of this magical season. When did Christmas turn into a cash cow?

Here's an idea, why not squash the wallet gaping gift giving tradition this year and try something new with your girlfriends. My proposition to you, is to host a holiday evening. I'm talking, a good old fashioned girls' night. Who wouldn't want to participate? 

You can set the dress code as casual or as dressy as you want. Personally, I like a slipper sock kind of girls' night (and you can each pick up a pair for $1 at your local dollar store). Nothing says fun, more than a pair of rainbow striped fuzzies. Bake some cookies. Make your own pizza. Drink some (and by some, I mean a bottle or two) wine. Paint your nails. And watch a typical flick. 

This way you get to enjoy each other's company and make a few memories to last into the new year.

What do you do with your budgeted holiday fund? Here's an idea, donate to your preferred charity or not for profit organization.  I don't mean to sway your vote, but the SPCA has a lot of adorable animals who need your love and help this season. 

Public donations to the Provincial Animal Shelter help offset the costs of animal care, which the shelter does not receive any government funding for. The below are the top 10 items the shelter needs:

Top Ten Most Needed Items:

1. Kitty Litter (non clumping or Yesterday's news)
2. Bleach
3. Canadian Tire Money or points
4. Plain White Copier paper (letter size)
5. Large black or clear garbage bags
6. Latex gloves (size medium)
7. Paper towels
8. Doggie poop bags
9. Dog training 'clickers'
10. Cat toys (mouse or ball type without catnip)

You can drop off your items at:

5 Scarfe Crt

Dartmouth, NS

(902) 468-7877

Happy holidays :)

Interview Intervention

Have you ever Googled "interview outfits?" I did - yes it's embarrassing to admit but you can't blame a girl for being curious. It was probably one of the most unproductive searches I have performed.

Everything was so blah and neutral. There was no creativity or individuality. And isn't the point of an interview to set you apart from the pack? To show your personality.

Now, I know what you're thinking - what about professionalism? Who says style can't be professional? I'm not saying to go in wearing the latest cut-off trend as this can be a fine line to balance on.  However, if you really put your thinking cap on, you can pull it off. 

Tibi Silk Faille Full Skirt / Tibi for net-a-porter exclusive Penguin-intarsia Knitted Sweater / 

Celine Luggage Tote / Jimmy Choo Alicia Pump / Dannijo Coco Ring

I have been pining after this Tibi skirt ever since I saw Teen Vogue senior market fashion editor, Mary Kate Steinmiller, sporting it a whiles back. It's for sure on my wish list for Santa this year - hint hint mom, hint hint. 

This outfit may come across as slightly unorthodox for interview attire however, it is pretty much adhering to the traditional dress code. Because interviews can be a slightly uncomfortable and intimidating process the last thing you want to be is self conscious in your outfit. So take a risk and test the waters. You'll most likely be praised for your individuality and come across much more confident. 

Gimme That Look

Last week, I feel in love with a look from Aimee Song of Song Of Style. 

Oh yes, now you can see why I loves this look so much. It's by designer Karen Millen and can be purchased at asos.com for $375.80 (+ shipping/taxes/duties). This is a perfect example of how an incredible stylist can transform a piece to make it her own. Loving the dramatic footwear choice - A+. 

I wanted to get this look, but without spending the contemporary price tag for an item that doesn't have a very high cost per wear. I've mentioned this term before, it means getting the most bang for your buck. For example, if you were to purchase the beautiful Karen Millen creation and only wear it once, you're paying $375/wear. But if you're going to wear it four times this holiday season you're paying $93/wear. This is a concept you should use when purchasing luxury goods. While this piece is absolutely beautiful, it's a statement dress that is easily recognizable each time you wear it.

So what I'm saying, is  invest in pieces that you can get multiple uses out of and spend less on novelty items.

Now onto the hunt! Seeing how the baroque trend is so on fire right now, it wasn't that hard to find an alternate.

Forever21 skirt $16 / Forever21 belt $8 / Steve Madden Intrude pumps $69 / 

Rebecca Minkoff Fling clutch $325 / Tibi Refined Tank $198

What do you think? A pretty good alternative if I do say so myself! 

I own the Rebecca Minkoff Fling ... and believe me, this baby has been with me through thick and thin. 100% worth the price tag. The Steve Madden pumps were an amazing deal - sorry kids, but you miss the boat as they were on sale for $49 last week on the brand's official website. As for the skirt - well you really can't beat finding an item that's under 20 bucks! 

xoxo

Consumer Education

I’m going to let you in on a few tips and secrets on how to go about shopping in the safest way possible.

First off, it is your job as the consumer to educate yourself on your purchases and stores’ policies. Make sure you’re well equipped with the store’s return/exchange policy prior to checking out. It is the store’s duty to post their policy at the point of sale; however, it is your job as the consumer to ask before you purchase. If you’re unaware that a store does not return or exchange that it not the retailer’s fault.

Saying this, the holiday season is right around the corner and that means it’s time to start thinking about gift giving. So before you checkout, simply ask if you don’t know.

Secondly, know the product you’re buying. Read the label, research and utilize the world wide web – that’s what it’s there for people. It never hurt to compare pricing. You may realize there are shops out there that charge a hefty penny for some items that aren’t worth the price tag. I’m an extreme impulse buyer, so take my advice, shop around before you commit. It could save you a few Benjamin’s.

However, this leads me to my last point, know your facts when buying online.  There normally is a reason for a slight price difference online versus in store.

There are hidden costs you can get hit with at the door. When any commercial goods cross the border it has to go through customs. Who then decide on the duty charges – this depends on whether it was imported into the USA before coming to Canada and where the materials originated. This can cost you anywhere from 13% and higher. Most times you don’t know until the deliveryman comes to your door. Trust me, I ordered a pair of boots for $200 and was handed a bill for $80 from the UPS deliveryman before I could get my boots – such a buzz kill.

Happy shopping :)

Girl's Night Out

I've been M.I.A due to the crazy month that is September and trickles into October. I will put up some of my pictures from market week after this post.

A few girlfriends and I went out for dinner on Friday night. Had a great time at The Bicycle Thief ... highly recommend! Amazing food and atmosphere.

Normally, I like to get all dolled up for a night out, but I had a slight change of heart Friday night because it was rainy and windy out - and hosiery just were not appealing at all. I really wanted to incorporate one of my fav new purchases - a green jersey from Artizia that was mocked after the Isabel Marant jersey top from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Note : I think it is wonderful that you can purchase designer look-a-likes for less at stores such as H&M, Joe Fresh and Zara because not all of us have the budget for designer goods. However, it is important to give credit to where they originated from to truly appreciate the creativity that went into the design.

Isabel Marant top / Hudson Nico jeans / Steve Madden pump / 

Smythe Sharp Shoulder blazer / Rebecca Minkoff Racy clutch

So I paired my top with my fav fitting skinny at the time - the Hudson Nico in chelsea wash. It has a great mid rise, a flattering cut and enough stretch to be comfy yet not flimsy. Instead of loading on the jewels, I kept things simple with an accent shoe - this Steve Madden leopard print pump did the trick. Next, I threw on a neutral blazer and grabbed my studded clutch. Voila, ready to go!

I wanted to post about this because I felt it was a nice alternative to an after 5 look. 

Closet Clean Up Review

I'm sure you've all scanned over my last post - I apologize for the massive amounts of photos - but I had to put my inventory list somewheres.  You probably won't believe me, but this was one of many closet clean outs (I feel like I'm admitting some addiction). I have an extremely bad issue with hoarding (not on the TLC reality show level, but still note worthy). If I invest my hard earned money in something I don't like to see it go to waist, so parting with an item is very hard for me.

However, I had an epiphany and decided to sort through my wardrobe and pick out all the pieces I did not wear this season. I thought this was going to be easy and therefore not have to pick out anything. But sadly, I had discovered far too many treasures that I had not worn. This was quit a realization and hopefully I'll be able to change my buying habits.

Instead of storing them for an occasion when I may wear it next year I put in a bag to sell. Note : if you didn't wear it this year, you for sure won't wear it next.

By doing this, it freed up a lot of space in my closet and rolling rack which made organizing my collection 10 times easier. All of my dresses and pants hung to one side of my closet. This was so my maxi's wouldn't drag and look sloppy, and my pants would not get creased when thrown over a hanger.

My denim hoard was then put into the shelving units within my built in wardrobe organizer and sorted by light denim, dark denim, printed and shorts. Each category had its own shelf.

For my rolling rack, it was sorted by top classification. Basic tank top, dressy tank top, basic tees, blouses, sweaters, blazers and jackets. 

To finish off, colour code each section to really see what you have and what you need to fill in the blanks.

I know what you're thinking, what about shoes? This is where I run into a wall. My shoe collection always stumps me because of my limited space. Currently, they are stacked on one side of my closet in original boxes. Stay tuned for when I find the missing link - a shoe rack that fits into my room.

Rain, Rain ... Fashion Don't Go Away

It was a gloomy, doomy day today in Halifax. They skies opened up and let loose from start to finish. I do enjoy a rainy day - curled up with a good book and some tea perhaps. However, today I was at work watching mother nature unfold. And when she rained it poured terrible fashion mishaps. 

I know it is a huge inconvenience to women when it rains. Your hair frizzes up and never looks quit right, your footwear has to be carefully planned and you need to pack a second pair and your outfit must be weather savvy. 

Here are a few tips on how to stay right during a rainy day.

1. Don't bother styling your hair. A freshly washed and blow dryed do' will not fair well in bad weather. Skip the shower for your locks and throw them up in a top knot. You will have little to no frizz and it should stay fairly in tact through out the day.

Shenae Grimes sporting the look

2. I don't know about you, but I HATE trekking through the city with wet feet - they feel gross and dirty, yuck. This is a pain in the butt, but it has to be done. Ladies, pack a pair of inside shoes and pull on your rubber boots for slushing around outside. Don't be one of those silly people on the corner waiting for the light to change prancing around to avoid the puddles. It's raining, you're going to get wet. So take the proper precautions.

Ashley Olsen in a pair of Hunter rain boots

3. Dress comfy. Don't wear jeans, you're going to chafe and be sticky. Don't wear a dress, you're going to feel sticky. Wear a bottom that is going to breath well after getting damp - like a jersey, cotton or jegging. I wore a legging today with a tank and a printed car coat and I felt pretty good going outside.

Zafira Feature

I was so excited to get dressed today ... I'm excited to put my outfits together every morning to be honest ... but today, today was different. I got to sport my very first Zafira Apparel piece!

In case you didn't already know, Zafira Apparel is a newly launched ready to wear line designed by Halifax's own Conni Zafiris (whom I get to call one of my besties ... since I was 5 - just ask my mom). The collection is best known for its bold prints and colourful rompers, high low minis and maxis and playful peplums.

dress : Zafira Apparel / bag : Rebecca Minkoff / sandals : Sam Edelman

Before Conni left for Montreal earlier this week, I was able to snatch this beautiful baby from her collection. By the way, sorry Conni if you're just realizing this is missing ... can we call it an early Christmas present?

I'm obsessed with the mint green and aruba blue colour combo. It makes going from a 9-5 look easy into happy hour. I paired it with a brown sandal and woven belt to pull the look together. Now normally I'm opposed to adding a bag as an outfit accent, however this Rebecca Minkoff MAC has a python print that complements the Zafira Apparel beauty. Throw on some neon pink polish and hello summer fabulous.

For orders, check on the Zafira Apparel Etsy site :) 

Miroslava Duma : Style Obsession

After spending a few hours (and when I say a few, I may have spent an entire days worth ... but who's counting) of catching up on my favourite blogs and street style photographs I developed quit the girl crush on a certain style icon.

Introducing, former Harper's Bazaar Russia editor and current freelance writer, 

Miroslava Duma. 

photographs via Harper's Bazaar & Style.com 

Not only is she one of THE best dressed women out there, but she's only 28 years old and extremely accomplished in the fashion industry. Considering where most people her age are in their careers, she is far beyond the curve. You go girlfriend!

Less is more ...

I have to pay homage to The Man Repeller for bringing her crazy sense of style that has inspired it's own home in the fashion world. For those of you who are unfamiliar with her cult following, I'm referencing "the arm party." This has made your jewelry choices more important than your outfit choices.

While I have a huge appreciation for accessories and LOVE sending the jewelry gods into a system overload ... sometimes less is more.

Gap belt / Tibi dress / Sam Edelman sandals / 

Giorgio Armani lipstick / Rebecca Minkoff hobo

Simplistic style is harder to achieve than participating in a trend. Trends are bottled and packaged with instructions written on the bottle. Simplicity is something you can not purchase right off the shelf.

I'll give you a few tips on how to create your niche in this category. Start with a basic dress that has a special detail or flare to its design. For example, the Tibi waffle-knit I featured above. It looks like a pretty plain day dress, however it has a very lux fabric and a beautiful full A-line skirt. Keep it simple with the accessories but make sure that they have a common theme. I chose a brown woven belt that matched a pair of brown flat sandals.

For a handbag you may think you want to pair your outfit with an accent bag, to add a pop. Don't do this. This is a common mistake made my many a fashionista. Remember, less is more. You'll end up looking like you're trying to hard and the key to having style is looking effortless. Choose a handbag that blends your look together.

I did add a bit of drama with a red lip - because who doesn't love a little lip colour fun! And voila! You have just created an instant chic outfit with no bells and whistles.