Showing posts with label Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Style. 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!








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.
 

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.

Monday, April 15, 2013

What's In Our Bags?

I am borderline OCD when it comes to organization in my handbag. I hate HATE when people rummage through their purses trying to find change, a pen or gum. If time really was money I would have lost a small fortune just waiting for that lady in front of me to pay for her $10 salad. Some people like to carry their whole life inside a handbag (which may be sharing a bit too much of yourself) but I prefer the necessary everyday essentials that will help me make it through my day.


Elaina’s handbag essentials:
  1. Gum – Just in case because you never know who you will meet!
  2. iPhone – Okay so it doesn’t need to be an iphone…well okay maybe it does. It’s the people contactor, social media medium, music provider and good companion all packaged into one highly marketable pretty chuck of technology. I cannot be the only person who feels naked without her phone?!
  3. Lipstick – Not only does it happen to complete my look of the day, but it also helps to keep my lips conditioned and looking oh-so-good.
  4. Cash – because money can buy you pretty much all the materialistic things that your little heart desires
  5. Pouches – They are wonderful little organizers that help you to not be that rummaging lady in line. They are affordable and comes in a variety of cute patterns, shapes and sizes; adding a bit more personality to your handbag.

I have big bag syndrome, somehow the phrase the bigger the better stuck with me in this case. I like to throw in everything I think I'll ever need ever so if by some freak accident I'm stranded I'll be prepared. New year new me I figure I should at least try to keep things super minimal so I only take the barest of necessities with me:
 
Margaret’s handbag essentials:
  1. Phone – If I could only take one thing this would be it.
  2. Kiehl's Lip Balm – Sadly one of the only lip balms I can safely use without risking balloon lips
  3. Oil Blotting sheets – nNcely packaged with a mirror which is always handy
  4. Gum – Because you never know
  5. Roller ball perfume – I'm a big fan of the roller balls, it ensures that I don't over spray and it's perfectly sized to throw in a small bag
  6. Hand cream – I'm slightly OCD when it comes to the cleanliness of my hands I despise the grimy feeling of unwashed hands on piano keys and cringe when I see others do it, unfortunately this means drier hands as a result of excessive washing so hand cream is a must
Tell us what are some of your handbag essentials?
 

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

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?