Sunday, December 20, 2009

book this Look- Zoe Saldana

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1) Jeans- White House Black Market $78
2) T-Shirt- James Perse $50
3) Blazer- Forever 21 $28
4) Pumps- Chinese Laundry at Shoe Box $95
5) Scarf- Pac Sun $10

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Rihanna's Fur Hat

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1) Bloomingdale's $70
2) Asos $34
3) Loris Shoes $34

Book this Look- Kate Moss

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Dress Laundry by Shelli Segal at Bluefly $113
Blazer Forever 21 $30

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Holiday Style Inspiration: The Hot Pink Strapless Dress

If you do not already know, I am a HUGE fan off accessories.  I cannot reiterate enough the importance of simple cuts 'n colors accentuated by necklaces, scarves, earrings (for those with pierced ears- I really should get on that btw...), bangles, what have you.  But fashion is a complex creature and there comes a time when an accessory is not needed and if anything, discouraged.  Enter the hot pink strapless dress.  You can spot it a mile away.  Should you decide to rock one of these numbers this holiday season, you can breath a sigh of relief, no complications- just you, the dress and your fabulous smile... oh and maybe a pair of great heels (society frowns upon girls who wear dresses and no shoes). :P

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1) Laundry by Shelli Segal at Bluefly $151
2) Splendid at Zappos $134

New Canadian Online Store!

Tiastar.com; Canada’s first online designer dress store launches  in December!

Have you ever tried shopping online to find that prefect, dress from an American department store, only to find out that they don’t ship to Canada or that you’re left with paying high import fees? FINALLY, out of her own frustrations Tia Star, a Canadian entrepreneur, is launching tiastar.com on December 1, 2009 making it convenient and accessible for Canadian women to have THAT dress.

Tiastar.com is Canada’s first online dress store that will carry a variety of dresses for special occasions; wedding, cocktail, prom and New Year’s eve dresses from designers such as Nicole Miller, HYPE, Aidan Mattox and Maggy London. Working with designers in New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal shoppers will have access to stylish, reasonably priced dresses, eliminating the hassle of cold weather, sore feet, crowds and hours upon hours of search.

FYI on the return policy: If it doesn't fit send it back on them and they pay for return shipping on the first 3 orders, and you have 30 days to return it!  Not too shabby...

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Reader Request! What to wear to work??

I need your help. I just left my stuffy law firm job for a job on the finance team of a political campaign. It's a little more casual and east coast preppy than my old job but since I'm on finance, I have to look sharp and put together. Here is the big hitch- the new paycheck is significantly smaller now and Rugby and Ralph Lauren are way out of my price range.
Any ideas?


Hey!
Congrats on the new position!  It's always fun to start a new job. I made about 8 career changes in my 20's and new jobs always meant more shopping- actually anything pertaining to anything new means more shopping for me but I digress. :P  It's is not always easy, however, to figure out what to wear for work, especially if you are on a tight budget.  My rule of thumb- always keep it simple and use the accessories to jazz it up.

Here are some mix and match basics to help you get started (all items under $80)- enjoy!
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1) Pencil Skirt Asos $45
2) Black Top Gap $20 
3) Silver Necklace Charlotte Russe $8 
4) Shoes Zappos $77 
5) Leggings Charlotte Russe $8 
6) Boyfriend Blazer Fred Flare $45 
7)  Tank Top American Eagle $17 
8) Gold necklace Windsor Store $15 

Book This Look- Hilary Duff

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1) Asos $34
2) Forever 21 $35
3) Pacsun $8

Monday, December 07, 2009

American Apparel's Lace Unitard

Hmmm ok so I saw this American Apparel  ad and it caught my attention.  I mean a girl scantily clad in nothing but a lace unitard is not something you see everyday (in most professions that is).  I am still not yet sure what the point of this piece is.  What purpose does it serve?  Should you layer it?  Belt it? Maybe pair it with a scarf?  Or maybe take a cue from J-Lo and rock the Louboutins with it?
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Sunday, December 06, 2009

Chunky Watches

I realized that I was teetering on the tomboy- masculine side when I preferred keeping things in my coat pocket as opposed to stuffing them in a pretty purse (which by the way I own like a thousand of).  Therefore it is no surprise that when chunky watches started to mark their territory in women's wear that I would fall head over heels.  I don't like dainty itty bitty watches- as a matter of fact I dont really use watches seeing as I am permanently glued to my blackberry.  But I love the look of the chunky watch- it give off this effortless "Yeah whatever, I tell time" cool vibe.

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1) Marc by Marc Jacobs at Asos $256
2) Fossil at Blue Nile $125
3) Adidas at Bloomingdale's $60
4) Top Shop $50
5) G by Guess $95

Book This Look- Miranda Kerr

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1) Anne Klein $90
2) Forever 21 $33
3) Arden B $70

The Perfect Leather Jacket

Elle.com a lovely site with an abundance of fashion related information.  I was doing my regular browsing when I came across this great post on leather jackets .  *Sigh*  Leather jackets: we all own at least one and most of us up here in cold as wtf Canada look forward to spring when we can get rid of our down filled coats and rock the look again.  As per these simple yet fashionable ladies below, the leather jacket can be worn an endless amount of ways- dressed up with a draped skirt, laid back with a pair of Converse or accessorized with bright accents.  For those of you lucky enough to live in leather jacket friendly weather year round, these ladies can serve as inspiration while the rest of us wait impatiently for spring to come around.

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Reader Request! Casual Boots for Winter

Okay HELP! I need fall/winter shoe ideas... mostly in the casual realm... seriously besides uggs, and sneakers on super casual days, i'm having issues figuring out what to do with my feet! I mean, flats are cold in 30 degree weather, and sneakers aren't the cutest...I dont remember having this issue any years before so I'm not sure whats going on.. but I need help!!


I am going to be honest with you, in a perfect world, I would either wear flip flops or Uggs and I have been in your predicament before.  I love the simplicity, comfort and uncomplicated-ness of easy footwear.  But alas, we live in a world where flip flops at a business meeting or Uggs at a wedding may seem slightly faux pas-ish .  Enter the casual yet appropriate for most social functions footwear.  Never to be outdone by their high heeled overly expensive designer counterparts, these little numbers provide you with comfort and style and a reasonable price. Gosh I sound like an infomercial:P  In any case, the ones provided below are some of my faves- enjoy!

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Saturday, December 05, 2009

Noteworthy Site for Canadian Fashionistas


MYEXCLOSET is  an online buy-and-sell clothing boutique reached online that is dedicated to Canada’s trendiest and is currently running out of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. It is a venue to sell those items that you are holding onto because they are too nice to just drop off at a thrift store, and many people don’t have time to commit to e-bay. They pick-up your exes, photograph and model them professionally, sell them to an appreciative new customer, and mail you 50% of the profits! Not only can you make money by selling items, the website provides affordable shopping from other women’s gently used ex-clothing.  Visit them at myexcloset.com.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Bib Necklaces

One of the top things on my to do list is getting my ears pierced.  Its been ages and I swear I have been meaning to but a combination of fear of pain mixed with procrastination has pretty much resulted in me going earring-less for the last almost 30 years of my life.  It is definitely a waste for the earrings economy as I feel I would contribute greatly to its success. Being an avid believer in a plain outfit punched up with some pizzazz accessories, if my ears were pierced I would own an embarrassing array of them.  In the meantime that I gather all my courage to puncture holes in my chunky earlobes (they really are chunky though), I am limited to necklaces as a method to jazz up any old outfit.  Enter the bib necklace.  Ornate and statement making, they do not shy away from yelling "Hey! Over here!"  Below are a few that scream accessorize- enjoy!


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Alia Shawkat Channels Teen Witch for Rachel Antonoff's Spring Video. Top That.:teenvogue.com

I am not sure if many of you remember this movie but seriously, Teen Witch was one of my faves when I was like 12 years old.  The fashion, the drool-worthy football player (Brad of course) and this rap scene- loves it!


Alia Shawkat Channels Teen Witch for Rachel Antonoff's Spring Video. Top That.:teenvogue.com



and since I am on a Teen Witch rampage, here is another song from the movie that I loved!

WWW Styling Tips:November

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

book this Look- Nicky Hilton

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1) Shop Bop $106

Book this Look- Kate Walsh

When  saw Kate in this blue number, I gasped- like out loud.  The color is stunning and the one shoulder look suits her to a frikin T.  BTW- a great look for the holidays.


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Monday, October 12, 2009

Book this Look- Lauren Conrad

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How refreshing- florals in the fall!   Lauren rocks the look with a belt (it toughens up the dress and brings down the girly-ness of it all).  I am not too much into all that is sugar and spice (I wear plain tanks and flat boots on a regular basis) so mixing a slightly studded belt with a nice dress makes it all ok.  Enjoy some inspiration below. :)

1) Forever 21 $20
2) Forever 21 $23

Some Rihanna Inspiration: The Printed Dress

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Printed Dress- American Apparel $42
Sandals- Dillard's $60

Book this Look- Gwyneth Paltrow

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Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters $88
Jeans-Forever 21 $25

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Some Over the Knee Hotness

I want a pair of over the knee boots, I am not going to lie.  I own a gazillion pairs of boots already, in various shapes and sizes but you know how it goes- you get one style, walk right out the door and realize you just want one more.  Ugh. Falling victim to consumerism is suuuuch a pain :P   I have tried to suppress my overwhelming desire for the over the knee style, but it just comes back to haunt me, mostly in the middle of the night (i'll wake up in a cold sweat) or as I daydream at work.  It is imperative that I quench this thirst and it will get done this weekend, oh yes it will.  I am currently knee deep (haha get it- knee deep cuz this is a post on over the knee boots and I just made it link to a commonly used expression, thus attempting to increase my level of pun cool-ness) in research mode and I do believe I have found some top contenders.  What's so cool about the over the knee style is that it amps up your sensuality all while keeping that urban cool vibe we are all trying to effortlessly convey.  You can wear the boots with jeans, a hoodie and a bf blazer or pair it with a skirt (oh la la all right) and and off the shoulder top.  Its all very exciting times.  Enjoy!

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Some Sienna Style

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Oxford Shoes- Steve Madden $80
Shoulder Bag- Forever 21 $35
Leather Jacket- Urban Outfitters $128

Monday, September 28, 2009

Coco Avant Chanel- Some Inspiration

Fashion followers vary in pretty much all fashion related aspects.  Some find Alexander McQueen  revolutionary while others just don't get it.  What was with those painted on lips for Fall 2009 anyways?  Some fashionistas embrace today's faded denim vests, white oxford shoes and shoulder padded blazers while others prefer to stick to the mainstream "playing it uber safe" staples of leggings, cardigan and a Longchamp bag (me!).  Some will only shop Chickdowntown while others regularly check the Forever 21 sale rack for some goodies.  But if there is one thing we all have in common, one bond that holds us together, one thread that keeps us united, it is our deep admiration and appreciation for Coco Chanel and her contribution to fashion today.  Her tweed suits, layered pearl necklaces and the infamous 2.55 bag still garner the attention of most fashion magazines.  Coco Chanel embodied the less is more approach with that oh so famous quote that I tell myself most days before I leave my place: "When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on."  I had the opportunity to go see "Coco Avant Chanel" and I gotta tell you- it was fabulous.  I am pretty sure that I was her in a past life.  I mean her love of stripes, her desire to only wear flats, never let her hair down and rock the menswear look.  Hell-o!  So me.  You can call me Gabrielle from now on, thankyouverymuch :)  Oh and here is some fun times Chanel inspiration below.  Oh and one a sidenote, Audrey Tautou was fabulous as Coco Garbielle Chanel in this movie. It is definitely a must see.  Enjoy! :)


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Stripe Top- Old Navy $10
Jacket- J. Crew $188
Necklace- Max & Chloe $60
Cardigan- American Eagle $40
Pencil Skirt- Max Studio $59
Tweed Vest- Madison Los Angeles $278

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Fantastic Walmart boots for $40! Yeah that's right.

So I had one goal this weekend- find myself some hot fall boots to wear for the next few years. I wanted them pretty, flat, comfy and easily removable- without having to sit for 5 minutes to lace, zip or tie them up. My impatience, by the way, really limits my wardrobe :P. The thing is that I as willing to fork $200 for a pair. I just wanted to leave this weekend with boots. I headed to Aldo and found a few that were ok but it did not feel right. Something told me to wait. I told myself, ok tomorrow, go back and see how you feel. In the meantime, I headed to Walmart for the Maybelline pulsating mascara (more on that later). When at Walmart, I always take the time to browse the clothing section as it occasionally happens that you can unearth a few lovely inexpensive treasures. Well this is where I found my boots- chillin in the shoe section, minding their own business and looking all fly. The boots were $40 and they were proud of it. Seeing as I appreciated their hotness and the price made my knees weak, oh and I am also an eternal pessimist- I thought clearly something must be wrong. They must hurt. When I tried them on, my feet felt like they were being engulfed in a bed of clouds, and not the sparse it may rain clouds. No no. It was more like the Care Bears super fluffy can I take a nap on it pretty please clouds. I tried to play it cool but my enthusiasm was evident. I grabbed a pair and never looked back. I wore them the very same night and confirmed what I already knew deep in my heart- it was meant to be. The very next day I went back as I remembered that I had seen another pair in a different style and color, also at $40. But the love lightning does not strike twice, does it? Yeah in this case it did. I bought my 2nd pair of Walmart boots and the rest is love history.  Who knew some cheap ass cute boots could make me this happy. Sigh.
Oh and the Maybelline pulsating mascara- very very meh.

Check out the boots below!
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Thursday, September 24, 2009

The American Apparel Circle Scarf

I was having brunch with some friends last weekend and as we were getting ready to leave, I noticed my friends scarf.  Strange I thought- it was like one wide tube.  So I asked her what the deal was and she proceeded to explain with much enthusiasm that the scarf was from American Apparel.  The Circle Scarf is made from all the leftover fabric not used on any garments.  She was not too keen on spending $34 on scrap but she appreciated the versatility so much that she was going to bight the bullet and purchase another.  Apparently there are like 5 million ways you can wear this circle scarf.  Now seeing as efficiency and practicality are my middle names (seriously check out my birth certificate),  I was down with this circle scarf.  It's pricey for what you get but...but the cost per wear is pretty darn great.  Imagine a scarf that's a skirt that's a dress that's a shawl that's a cape.  Pretty cool.  If spending $34 for a tube of fabric does not tickle your fancy,(regardless of its uber-versatility),  the internet provides us with a few DIY solutions:
Chic Inspector has a great piece on how to make your own circle scarf.
Trendology made her own scarf from an old curtain.

Chictopia shows us a few suggestions on how to wear the scarf.
If you like You Tube, check out the Circle Scarf Tutorial by Owlsayhoot
Purchase your own here:



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Noteworthy Blog- Idle Fascination

Lookbook is a great blog, don't get me wrong.  It's chock full o' yummy visuals and where to purchase said visuals for an equally yummy price.  But there are many fabulous blogs out there.  One that I feel the need to highlight is Idle Fascination- packed with witty commentary and up to the minute trends, its definitely worth a read... am just sayin'... 

Check it out here :)

Sunday, September 20, 2009