Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Intoducing StyleSpotter App + GIVEAWAY

We recently got to partake in a exciting new launch of StyleSpotter. A brand new app that officially launched today!

 
This app combines social media with fashion; users are able to browser fashion, shoes and accessories from tons of real time retailers while bookmarking their favourite pieces to showcase individual style. Sometimes we are only able to shop with our eyes but it doesn't stop us from sharing our style and the way we carry ourselves.
 

 We have had so much fun created inspiration boards with some of our favourite pieces including some tantrum worthily wish list items for the holidays. With their official launch in the App Store today, you can go download the app on your digital devices and start browsing and saving items.

And it gets better, to welcome and celebrate their launch StyleSpotter is hosting an amazing giveaway for a Michael Kors Selma Satchel!

 
It's simple to enter the giveaway, go to sweepstakes tab on StyleSpotter's Facebook page and submit your email. Contest will run until Wednesday 2/4. So good luck and don't forget to download the StyleSpotter app and follow us there!








Tuesday, August 13, 2013

PSA

Photo Credit : Google Images

I love Vancouver, mild weather, excellent food, beautiful parks, lots of trees but for the love of all things stylish, why on earth do most of the men in this city dress either in typical "gangster" garb (re: some sort of graphic tee with obnoxious phrases and generic true religion jeans or some other tacky branded jeans) Or at the opposite end of the spectrum in frumpy dad jeans and t shirts about 3 times too big.  There seems to be the idea that donning a pink polo counts as being "stylish," or the misconception that somehow dressing better equates to being too flamboyant.

 So here is my list of essentials every guy should have in their closet:
A pair of well fitted jeans
A white long sleeve dress shirt
A white t-shirt with no stupid sayings
A cardigan sweater
A well fitted black suit
A fitted jacket/blazer
casual shoes
Black dress shoes
 A tie

These will pair well for any occasion dressed up or down and present the wearer as clean and well put together.  You don't need to go all out on designer trends and spend two months paycheck on your wardrobe but it is important to stay relevant and modern, especially in today's fast paced life style.

Now you can say oh but it's all about the inside and looks don't matter; all that warm fuzzy stuff but let's face it how you present yourself will be seen as a reflection of your personality and if you walk around looking like the friendly homeless person two blocks over, it shouldn't come across as a surprise if people are less inclined to take you seriously!
                                         






Monday, April 29, 2013

Well That Was Easy

 
  
The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry…and it happens quite often! So for those multitudinous minor disasters here are a few fixes:
 
There have been many a time when I’ve planned out the outfit right down the accessories (in my mind…) but when I go to put it all together I discover that my bag has a unsightly mystery stain or my jeans have a rip I never noticed (and of course it would be my favorite pair). What is a girl to do?!
 
 
Luckily there are many ways to fix up what may seem like a disaster! Fabric stores and craft stores are excellent places to be acquainted with. Rather than tossing out those ripped jeans you can pick out a lacy fabric or whatever suits your fancy and sew it on underneath, this makes for a nice little twist and now makes your jeans one of a kind. Another fun reason to be familiar with your local craft stores is DIY nails, instead of hunting around for templates you can reuse craft scissors to cut fun patterns out of scotch tape to use as a guide instead.
 
 
All Photo Credit: Google Images
 
Most shoe repair shops offer handbag repairs such as a broken strap and such so it’s never a bad idea to take note of the services your cobbler offers the next time you take in your boots to be re-heeled. There are also places to go to that will clean up and restore you beloved bag to brand spanking new close if not looking like the day you first bought it.
For my fellow Vancouverites a good place to check out is Breeze Bag and Shoe Cleaner 8766 McKim Way Ste 1304 in Richmond another great place is Leslie’s Luggage and Handbag Repair 185 Broadway W in Vancouver.
 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Playing Dress Up

Top: Zara 10 | Skirt: Vintage | Belt: Vintage | Necklace: Wilson’s Leather 12| Handbag: Aldo 35 | Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria 65|

 As a girl who started making handmade clothing for her Barbie doll at the age of 8, playing dress up was also an essential stage in life. My mother’s closet walk in is the perfect place to borrow true vintage pieces; ones that were on trend when she was “my age”. Of course, these well-loved pieces need to be mixed with new pieces to bring them up to date since trends are brought back but they are never exactly the same. We ditch the boxy man-shoulder pads that were ever so horribly popular back in the days, but we keep the fine fabrics, classics and the sturdy leather goods. 

Top: Zara 15 | Skirt: DVF Vintage | Necklace: Aldo 20 | Clutch: Vintage |Shoes: Dolce Vita 65|


We need to know which pieces are worth taking a second chance and which ones can finally retire or be loved by someone else.

Blazer: H&M 20 | Top: UO 20 | Pants: Vintage | Bangles: F21 10 | Shoes: Aldo 40 |


Top: Vintage | Pants: Zara 25 | Clutch: Vintage | Necklace: F21 10 | Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria 65|


Top: F21 18| Skirt: Vintage | Belt: Club Monaco 17| Necklace: F21 10| Purse: BCBGMaxAzria 108| Shoes: Zara 35|

What kind of treasures have you found or been pasted down to you?


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The One that Got Away

Taking a moment to get real personal here, but I want to share the sad story about a decision that I once made and regret terribly each passing day. Since we have parted ways, I’ve decided that the best way for me to heal is to talk openly about the situation and hope that you will learn a thing or two from me.
 I once laid eyes on and fell in love with a classy and versatile piece. It was a black on white striped cardigan sweater, which I had found on sale for $10! Being that it was pretty much a steal made it even harder to not feel that regret everyday…I rushed into some spring cleaning one day and made the awful mistake of donating it. Now I can’t really explain why, (I even paused due to some indecisiveness), I’m sure it pleaded and begged for me to rethink and keep it in my life, but I was stubborn and walked away.  I did not see all that potential in a well-made, well fitted and classic piece.
Cardigan: H&M 20
Now it is too late to go back with my tail between my legs and beg for it to come back into my life. But like all stories, there is a brighter side; recently I have found a (replacement) white on black striped cardigan that I have grown fond of and cherish in all the ways that I should. It has quickly become an essential piece to my wardrobe and snuck its way into my heart.
So learn a lesson from me, donating pieces from your wardrobe is never a bad idea but if you find yourself thorn and indecisive; go with your gut instincts and know that you are not ready to part ways. Not a day goes by without regret, but time maybe the only thing that will heal my wounded heart.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

With the onset of spring the need for organizing and cleaning suddenly grips me and I can’t for the life of me shake it off until some heavy duty cataloguing is done. There’s something very invigorating and renewing about putting up new shelves, and cutting down the unnecessary clutter that’s built up over the winter months. 
 

KEEP                    GIVE AWAY                TRASH

Nothing is more satisfying than clearing out old garments and shoes collecting dust in the back of the closet, but the fundamental question arises: what to do with the cast-offs? It seems a bit cruel to haul the bags to the dumpster as the garments were once loved and treasured. Now no longer needed it would be cold hearted to toss without a second’s thought. Thankfully there are many wonderful organizations in and around the lovely city of Vancouver that we can take our old wardrobes to. 

Photo Credit: Google Image
There are several large establishments such as the Salvation Army, big brothers and the like that are always accepting clothing donations for those in need. There are donation boxes all over the city that are conveniently located for you to make a quick drop off on the way to work or school. 

Apart from these there are also numerous smaller organizations that cater to specific needs such as the Cinderella Project, their main goal is to provide formal wear and dress shoes for underprivileged high school graduates who would others be unable to partake in the celebrations.

Another fun idea is to organize a swap meet with your friends and “shop” each other’s closet. Good company, clothes, and refreshments, why not make it an idea for the next girl’s night out.
Photo Credit: Google Image


The Cinderella Project
315 Mathers Avenue
West Vancouver, BC
V7S 1H2


The Salvation Army
2714 W Broadway
Vancouver

Monday, April 08, 2013

My Plus One


Top: UO 20 | Cardigan: Zara 20 | Jeans: F21 19 | Shoes: Zara 35
 
With birthdays comes the inevitable +1 to your age. Whatever I may actually be is not how I feel or live by, for instance shopping is of course a favorite pass time of mine (typical right?) but with age I tend to forget what I throw hang up into my closet. Those old lady moments lead me to the treat of shopping my closet.
Isn't it a wonderful thing when you rediscover something you love and it’s practically free? I mean at some point you paid good money for it, but it costs nothing to find again. I loved each of these pieces dearly when I picked them out, but with time and my ahem "senior moments," they have been sitting there, unfairly neglected over the last year or so. Since my love of fashion can beat down my magical plastic card, I've challenged myself to fall back in love with the same pieces.
Absence makes the heart fonder and love does grow with time, so while I cannot love them in the exact same way, who said love only comes once?

Friday, April 05, 2013

Put Your Back Into It

We often hear the term cleansing your aura, meaning that there is too much crap (for a lack of a better word) in your life and you need to take a moment, maybe sit down and prioritize the chaos. Now I can apply that to my closet, sometimes I can stare at it for longer than I care to in order to reach total zen or I find myself frustrated looking for that sweater I SWORE I put behind that other sweater but it somehow magically grew legs and wondered far far away.
 
As spring comes upon us, spring cleaning also comes to mind. It’s time to rotate the closet or dig up the pieces that we haven’t worn in years but still believe that one day it will come back in style. But let’s face it, we can’t hold on to the worn down, out of style or ill-fitting piece any longer. Besides why would you turn down the idea of out with the old and in with the new?

Vintage clutches + Italian vintage cross body
A little check list of pieces that are worth keeping no matter how long they have been sitting there begging for your attention (quick breath). The qualifications for these are:
 
1. Well-made pieces, ones that you cannot only fit still but may even be able to pass it down to someone else
2. Classic tailoring and detailing; pieces that never go out of style
3. Basics that are not discoloured, worn down, hole-y or stretched out
4. Potential DIY pieces, a little nip and tuck and the piece will shine brighter than it ever did and the best part? You can say you “made” it
 
So what has your closet been hiding?
 
 





 

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Walk-in to My Dream

Photo Credit: Google Images 
A closet can speak volumes about a person’s personality. Are they boring? Vibrant? Or bold? Taking a peek at what they buy or own would be difficult if the space looked like a tornado hit it. Closet organization saves me from the embarrassment of wearing mismatched socks, or being late because I can’t find the top that goes with that cute skirt. Since we might not meet a Mr.Big and be granted that magical shiny beautiful walk in closet that we of course all deserve, we need to look to different and heart breaking realistic ways to keep organized and have a closet that is functional yet pretty in its own way.

Inexpensive Ikea closet storage Solutions
  1. Svajs, $2.99 set of 3
  2. Komplement, $24.99
  3. Garnityr, $16.99
  4. Bumerang, $0.99 each
  5. Komplement, $9.99
  6. Brallis, $4.99 each

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Buttery Smooth

Jacket: Danier 250| Top: F21 23| Jeans: AE 14| Belt: Joe Fresh 12| Scarf: H&M 12| Boots: Steve Madden 70
 
I have a reputation to keep when it comes to presenting me in public.  But who doesn’t like to play on the edge a bit and bring out their inner bad ass (or in my case the one that is hidden in my mind).  Leather has always had its reputation, favoured by all the bad boys and tough girls of our time and beyond.  As an ongoing trend, I am seeing more and more leather surface in different pieces which allows me (and you) to be fearless and pull off different looks incorporating the fabric.  Little subtle hints of leather never hurt anyone well maybe it hurt Ross from Friends in his little leather incident, but we learn from others misfortunes!
 
Sweater: Zara 20| Jeans: Zara 15| Necklace: H&M 18| Shoes: BCBG Max Azria 60
 
I know that the boot is probably the piece of footwear that I don the most during the winter.  All that lovely shiny leather just makes an outfit more polished and keeps my legs all nice and toasty.  There is an abundant amount of boots that I can choose from but as the seasons change, I gravitate towards my booties.  Booties are the more season appropriate choice before we move on to flats, and the “it’s-not-a-shoe-but-it-is-a-shoe” flip flop.  The never ending Raincouver…err I mean Vancouver rain sure doesn’t help one to put away the boots in storage. So why not make them an essential that I can pair with just about anything, and for any kind of day or night look. 

 
Top: F21 19| Skirt: F21 30| Belt: Old Navy 5| Necklace: F21 9| Clutch: H&M 12| Booties: Zara 40
 
 
  
Top: F21 12| Skirt: F21 30| Necklace: F21 12| Clutch: F21 15

 

Friday, March 22, 2013

We've Got Mono(chromatics)

Blazer: Zara 80| Top: F21 23| Skirt: Urban Outfitters 20| Necklace: AE 7| Bangles: F21&H&M 6+7| Clutch: Aldo 15| Shoes: Dolce Vita 65
 

The amount of black that I wear in the winter can probably put a Goth to shame.  Black isn’t just sliming but the best blank canvas for playing with.  My basic black, grey and white canvas is premium for using accessories that have a personality of their own.  Instead of walking around the street in my drab monochromatic to welcome spring, I pair it with colourful and patterned accessories, no matter if they are around my neck or at my finger tips or kissing my feet.  Simply putting away all the monochromatic goodness is out of the question, so why not just change and adapt?
 

Tunic: H&M 18| Scarf: Zara 20| Liquid Leggings 6| Bracelet: F21 7| Shoes: Aldo 20

 
 
Blazer: Urban Outfitters 27| Tunic: F21 20| Necklace: Costa Blanca 9| Bangles: F21 8| Boots: Joe Fresh 40


 
  1. Duo tone necklace, F21 $6
  2. Blika ring, ASOS $7.08
  3. Jewel tone bib necklace, F21 $26
  4. Nude chain ankle strap flats, Zara $80
  5. Neon pink anchor studs, F21, $1.50
  6. Red bow skinny belt, F21, $6

 


  1. 1. Hodde Necklace, Aldo $18
  2. 2. Aureda bracelet, Aldo $18
  3. 3 .Attard ring, Aldo $8
  4. 4. Prak heels, Aldo $40
  5. 5. Amphillis ring, Aldo $10

Friday, March 15, 2013

Call it What You Want, it's Still Green


Green has never been my favourite colour.  Somehow against my ever-so-pale yellowy skin it just spells disaster with a capital D! (Even thinking about it gives me fashion chills in a BAD way).  Of course, this year, once again the fashion gods have declared emerald to be the new black…so what is a girl to do? 
Luckily and just in time for St.Paddy’s Day I’ve come to the conclusion that sometimes when you just can’t fight it, you just have to suck it up and join in.  I’m not going to be running out to buy a whole new green emerald wardrobe to replace all that black I own, mind you, but instead I’ll look to putting small traces of green around my body.  Subtle hints of green here and there help to keep me on trend without getting admitted to the nearest hospital for looking positive ill under the green green shade.
 
All items under $30
  1. Green beaded necklace, F21 $7
  2. Green Stone open bangle, UO $16
  3. Rainbow chevron bangles, F21 $9
  4. Light green + gold bracelet, UO $7
  5. Shamrock stud earrings, F21 $4
  6. Quilted purse, F21 $24
  7. Army green pashmina, UO $18
Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Monday, March 11, 2013

What Goes Around

Knit top: Zara 20| Cami: Aritzia 25| Scarf: F21 10| Liquid leggings: Urban Behavior 6| Bangles: F21 7| Purse: BCBG MaxAzria 50 
 
In winter we look to all kinds of pieces of clothing and accessories to keep us warm.  I did not learn until this winter following the top bun trend that my neck is a weak part of my body, often finding it turtled inside to keep warm.  Scarves in the winter are a must have; I often forget that the scarf isn’t just for function but it’s one of the best accessories ever made.  You can change the way an outfit looks with the right scarf pairing.  Just one pop of colour or pattern and your outfit suddenly becomes well put together and magical! So this season let’s shed the function of a scarf and use it to its full potential of making a drab outfit a unicorn, a magical unicorn.
 

Blouse: F21 23| Scarf: F21 12| Leggings: F21 5.5| Necklace: F21 12| Booties: Zara 40

 
Knit Top: Winners 15| Liquid Leggings: Urban Behavior 6| Belt: Joe Fresh 12| Scarf: Zara kids 10| Bangle: F21 8| Shoes: Aldo 20

Top: Zara 20| F21 12| Middle: Zara kids 10| H&M 12| F21 10 Bottom: Shanghai

 

Monday, March 04, 2013

I Like Them Chunky

Sweater: Zara 20| Leggings: Aritzia 20| Necklace: F21 1.5| Bangles: Winners 25| Clutch: H&M 18| Booties: Zara 40

I’ve been putting chunky knit sweaters on the top of my ‘want list’ this entire winter.  I’ve been lucky enough to add a couple of new and clearance ones to my winter wardrobe.  Now that we are slowly (but surely!) heading towards spring and warmer weather (or just rain), I’m still not ready to give up on my precious chunky knits! I’ve come to the conclusion that layering is probably the most sensible thing to do. Of course we will also throw in some accessories and then we can go frolic and play without looking like what I call “weather retarded”. We shed the winter uniform and say hello to spring…err transitional weather!

What are you not ready to give up yet for spring?
 
 

Sweater: F21 18| Shirt: Garage 15| Leggings: TNA 20| Purse: H&M 12| Necklace: F21 8| Bangles: F21 10| Boots: Aldo 90

Sweater: Zara 20| Jeans: Zara 15| Belt: AE 11| Necklace: F21 8| Earrings: Aldo 7| Bangles: F21 8+12| Shoes: Sam Edelman 20

Friday, March 01, 2013

Movie Magic

The Oscars always provides a night of fashion and style; where the talented are recognized and Hollywood royalty come out for a night of glitz and glam.  Nominated or not, the most ANTICIPATED question is who is wearing what and what list will they end up on tomorrow.  
At the 85th Oscars this year I have to say that I was not too impressed with the choices that were made in the looks department.  No good risks were taken, but of course that may not be a huge surprise since pastel colours were the trend amongst the Hollywood Elite. Of course I have to compare across the board, since some of the most stunning pieces have come out of this event.  All the primping, millions in jewels and finding that perfect dress have come to this; so in my humble opinion, the celebrities that shined bright and the other…not so much, have been narrowed down to these…
 
Magic
 
Risks Gone Wrong...
 
Men in Tuxes

Photo Credits: Instyle.com

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Boots, Knits and Sweaters…oh my!

Sweater: Aritzia 50| Shirt: H&M kids 6| Leggings: TNA 20| Necklace: H&M 17| Boots: Shanghai| Bangles: F21 12

It’s that time of the year again when I find myself standing in front of my closet facing seasonal dilemmas; what do you wear when it’s between winter and spring? It’s not quite time to give up on jackets, scarves and boots, but how do you wear it all without looking like the familiar Eskimo we’ve been all winter…? Incorporating spring pieces here and there to look more weather applicable and of course shelter ourselves from this Vancouver rain.  How do we shed the layers without facing a nasty cold or worse looking seasonally inappropriate?