Denim on Denim

Denim on Denim

The denim on denim trend is still in this summer, but can be hard to pull off without looking either like a cowboy or like you are trying too hard. Recently Rihanna, Charlize Theron and various other celebrities have warn this look and made it look fab!

The denim shirt above has a slight pattern on it, so it will break the denim up a bit. I have chosen 4 different pairs of jeans above that could all be worn with the denim shirt. The first and darkest pair being the safest, the middle two being pretty neutral and the last boyfriend style being the most daring.

The funkier or more masculine the jeans the more feminine the shoes should be. This will keep the look from looking to butchy.

Two Toned Pants

The floral pant trend is still in full swing for summer 2013 but here is another trend emerging and it is coming on full speed...the two toned pant!

We have been seeing these pants for a few years now but mostly in magazines and on a few celebrities but now they are appearing in more stores, soon to be everywhere. These pants can do wonders or terrible things for your body depending on where the different colours are located. Slim legs but have saddle bags? Go with a white jean with dark side paneling. Slim waist but thicker legs? The ones pictured above on the far left would dry attention up towards your waist and the dark colour on the bottom would be slimming. You get the idea!

Whether you choose a bold two tone or subtle have fun with this trend!

Rag bone
mytheresa.com

J Brand skinny leg jeans
$490 - harveynichols.com

Hudson skinny jeans
$380 - harveynichols.com

MiH Jeans skinny leg jeans
net-a-porter.com

Legs for Days

This look may seem a little daring with the striped pants but believe it or not these pants are super flattering for quite a few different body types. The stripes draws the eyes up, making legs appear longer. If having such a bold stripe scares you a finer strip would work as well. It may not cause such a dramatic effect but it would be a little more formal and subtle.  The sneakers make this look a little more casual while the hidden heal inside help the legs look even leaner and longer. The dress sandal option is just plain sexy and takes this outfit from day to night day to night!

Off the shoulder shirt
2dayslook.com

Balmain super skinny jeans
net-a-porter.com

Giuseppe Zanotti ankle strap sandals
stylebop.com

Tory Burch leather tote
lindelepalais.com

Update! Aritzia's Sale Online

If you ever feel gypped when companies offer in store sales that aren't available online Aritzia won't leave you feeling cheated with their online sale.

The sale that is running in the store is also online. One thing I suggest is if you have a store close to you make sure the item you are buying isn't cheaper in store, this happens all the time with online sales. Quite often an item is selling okay for the company in general but not so hot in a certain city, intern the company places the item on sale at an even lower price point in the city where it isn't selling well. The call this an 'in store sale'. I have noticed this happens a lot at The Gap and Lululemon. (Last week I bought a coat at Lulu for $30 less then it was listed for online) I guess it could also be cheaper online sometimes than in the store.

Happy Shopping!!!

Aritzia Now Ships! Shopping Online!

It really puzzles me when in this day and age stores don't have online shopping! For example in Canada H&M, Zara and for the longest time Aritzia didn't offer online shopping. I figure if a huge store like The Bay or Forever 21 can catalogue all their merchandise all these other stores should be able to as well.

Aritzia has caught up and now offers shopping online! This is great for anyone who hates battling through the seemingly always busy stores or curses their way up and down the skinny isles with their baby stroller, bumping every display on the way...only to have the cloth like fitting room "door" ripped open while you are naked by your 2 year old. Now I get that the layout, marketing, etc. of this store really isn't geared to us 30+ chics but hey we like to look good too!

Shipping is only $8 or $12 for overnight! Also returns can be done in store, definite bonus!

Anyways, now no matter your age or schedule you can shop in the comfort of your TNA pants from home! Shop away ladies!

Polyvore.com

I was on Polyvore.com yesterday, which is a great sight for finding any style ideas and clothing you are looking for, or don't know yet that you are! It is the visitors who create the looks or style collage, so while some may not be an outfit you would wear you know that the outfits are put together by 'regular' people interested in style and fashion, not just stylist or designers.


Taken from their website; 
What is Polyvore?
Polyvore is the web's largest fashion community site, where users are empowered to discover their style and set trends around the world. With over 15 million monthly unique visitors, Polyvore's global community has created over 44 million sets that are shared across the web. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Polyvore is funded by Benchmark Capital, Matrix Partners, DAG Ventures, Goldman Sachs, and Vivi Nevo (NV Investments).

 Some outfits are created to mimic a celebrities' style or specific outfit, using outfits that the person has found through various price points, quite often at a significantly lower price then the designer duds the celeb was wearing. 


Here I have shown an example of a very chic (collage) outfit someone has created. While the bag and shoes may be more then some people can afford the top and pants come in at amazing price points, especially for such a stylish little outfit. Definitely check the website out!

Golden by pribortolon featuring chiffon tops

Chiffon top
$25 - chicnova.com

H&m pants
£25 - hm.com

Rebecca minkoff shoes
$395 - rebeccaminkoff.com

Jimmy choo bag
$625 - net-a-porter.com

Hillier polka dot earrings
$430 - openingceremony.us

Sephora Collection waterproof eyeliner
$12 - sephora.com

Sephora Collection gold sparkle nail polish
$30 - sephora.com

Summer Accessories

One of the fastest way to 'summerize' your wardrobe is with accessories. With wedding season kicking into high gear there is no need to go out and spend a fourtune on new summery dresses, unless it is in your budget of course. Some are dresser and some more casual providing lots of options for summer attire.

These cute accessories can be added to your basic Little Black Dress (who doesn't have a slew of LBD) and you are good for your summer events. All the jewellery shown below is from Aldo since they are so easy to come by.

Bobzien - $14.98

Metts - $20

Camero- $ 12

Contessa - $12

Year End Teacher Gifts

If you are like I am, I like to get the teacher(s) who have put up with...I mean...have had the pleasure of teaching my child a little gift. It doesn't have to be something extravagant, just something to show your appreciation. I have 'teacher friends' who say that even a card expressing your gratitude is a great sentiment.

I have composed a small list of gift ideas;

• bottle of wine
• candle
• chocolates
• gift card (Starbucks, or a general mall gift card are suggestions)
• potted plant
• flowers
• BBQ or entertaining cook book (with summer corresponding with school being let out this one could come in handy)
• a craft your child has made for the teacher
• tea or coffee set
• summer weight scarf

This year we went with the last one. (Sorry if any of my son's teachers read this before they receive their gift.) I took my son, who is almost 4, to the store to purchase the gifts. There was about 20 to choose from, he studied them for a few minutes then selected one for each teacher. The funny thing is each was totally different from the last, so he must have really thought what he pictured each teacher wearing. Usually he tends to pick the same things over and over for himself. It was sweet to see!

Happy shopping and enjoy the summer with your little ones!

The Best Time of Year ...The Net-A-Porter Sale

If you have never checked out Net-A-Porter or thought you couldn't afford items from this luxurious shopping site now is your chance! When their merchandise goes on sale, it really goes on sale...they don't mess around!

Designer apparel, shoes, handbags, jewellery and accessories up to 70% off. There are way too many things that I loved to show here, but I have included a few below.

Current/Elliot - Jeans $200, now $60

Helmut Lang - Top $185, now $55.50

When this site says SALE they know the true meaning and they bring it!

Chloe - Leather Tote $2,295, now $1,148

Zadig & Voltaire - Watch $285, now $142.50

To Green or Not to Green

While I would love to pretend that I am a daring cosmetic and nail colour person, the reality is that that couldn't be farther from the truth. Oddly enough I am fairly daring when it comes to more permanent things, such as clothing and hair. Pylon orange coloured jeans...wore them two days ago, shaving half of my hair off like Rhianna's current 'do'...done multiple times, leopard patterned jeans...had to be the first to get them...you get the idea here.

When it comes to my nails I am a orange, red, pale pink and almost black kind of girl. Did I mention orange? Green nails have been in the media the past few summers; 2 years ago it was emerald and jewel toned shades that had magazine editors' raving, while last summer it was kacky and forest green. Neither of which I was daring enough to try. This summer it is mint or sherbet green. I was up for the dare...well kind of!

I have seen girls wearing their nails in this shade and it looks great but I feel out of place with all ten digits, it just isn't 'me'. One mint green nail is all I could swing but I like the outcome and it isn't too childish looking.

OPI 'Mod About You' (pink), China Glaze 'Re-Fresh Mint' (green)

Review of Southern Charm a Novel By Tinsley Mortimer

I am sure that anyone who reads any fashion blogs, has seen the show High Society, reads Page Six, or is a regular viewer of Gossip Girl is familiar with who Tinsley Mortimer is. If you are not familiar with this always camera ready socialite you can check out her personal blog here. Tinsley has just written and published her first novel titled 'Southern Charm'.

I couldn't resist purchasing this book as I admire Tinsley. In an age where flashing underwear, going out in sweat pants and general dishevelness is widely accepted, I find it refreshing to see someone always dressed up, make up and hair done and acting like a lady. The list of females acting like a lady is rapidly being replaced with probation stints and DUIs.

Hardcover and eReader avaliable

The book was an easy read, but enjoyable. The main character (based loosely on Tinsley) remained positive throughout the novel despite various challenges, without coming across cheesy or ditsy. The novel was descriptive without being too wordy and was hard to put down. I rooted for the main character and was happy I had read the book. I hope that Tinsley pens another book soon!

Toothbrush Clutter

If your family is anything like mine everyone likes to have their toothbrushes where they don't have to go searching for them...with men that searching translates to having to open a drawer.

When my husband I initially got married we both had disposable toothbrushes that I could through in a cup under the counter and we were set. They were accessible and tidy. Fast forward 5 years and there are now 4 toothbrushes all electronic, meaning more bulk, more space invading and a general mess in the morning.

In effort to keep our counter top void of clutter I found an easy way to keep our toothbrushes tidy and clean. Easy and fairly obvious I took a regular glass vase and placed them inside. The result was a clean looking, contained spot for something we need to have at our finger tips several times a day. A few times a week I give it a quick rinse prior to hopping in the shower, flip it over to dry and by the time I get out it is dry. Easy and kind of 'arty'!

Great Find

I am a sucker for bracelets, the colour orange and gold jewelery...put those three things together and 9 times out of 10 I am sold on the item! Last night I did a quick milk run to the nearby grocery store and accidentally stumbled across a really cute set of bracelets, combining all three loves.

The bracelets below came as two sets; the big cuff and a pack of 3 bangles. Each set was only $14 with 50% off so I got all 4 bracelets for $14! Amazing! I am sure to rock these all summer with both dressy and casual outfits. (Both photos are the same set just different angles)

JOE Fresh $14, on sale for $7

JOE Fresh $14, on sale for $7

June = Comeback Month

After months of hiatus from posting I am making every effort to carve out a few minutes hopefully daily to post on my blog, about things I am loving, trends and cool stuff I come across. I have missed having an outlet for all that interests me! Hope to hear any comments any of my readers have!
xoxo
C

Arbonne Vitamin/Mineral Powder

I have done it! After years of searching I have found sucsess! No not in ending 3 year old's temper tantrums or how to get free shoes but in my allergy free world the following finding is quite thrilling.

Whey, lactose, dairy free, gluten free protein powder...that doesn't taste like dirt! I have tried countless dairy free protein powders that ended in me being grossed out and unable to finish the shake. Gritty, bitter, bland are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing vegan protein powders. I recently tried both flavours of Arbonne's Vitamin/Mineral Powder, which are chocolate and vanilla. Yum! I didn't need to add all sorts of sweeteners, fruit or juice to mask the flavour! Just water & the powder and I was able to really enjoy the shake. (Imagine it with all the extras!)

Check out the nutritional facts below!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 225 ml, 42 grams - 1 scoop

Amount per Serving

Calories 160

Calories from Fat 31.5

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 3.5g

5%

Saturated Fat 0g

0%

Cholesterol 0mg

0%

Sodium 390mg

16%

Total Carbohydrate 13g

4%

Dietary Fiber 1g

4%

Sugars 9g

 

Protein 20g

40%

Est. Percent of Calories from:

Fat

19.3%

Carbs

31.8%

Protein

48.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calories needs.

House Cleaning Tip #2

Cleaning out the fridge is not fun. It is usually time consuming and sometimes gross. I used to stay on top of mine by cleaning it out thoroughly bi-weekly, but have found the following much easier.

I usually go grocery shopping twice a week. The fridge is usually getting a little sparse prior to purchasing the new groceries. This is the ideal time to give it a quick wipe down. Before I leave the house (either the night before or in the morning) I wipe out whatever drawers or shelves are pretty empty. Then by the time I get home they are dry and can have the new stuff put right in/on. If you aren't someone who plans your shopping, anytime that your drawer/shelf is semi empty swish the stuff around and give it a wipe.

They key here is that you don't have to empty the whole fridge and do it in one shot. Doing at a section at a time gives the same clean results . . .Going to get milk, wipe down the shelf where the existing milk is. Getting some fruit wipe out the fruit drawer. If you clean one area at a time, it will never be a major undertaking and will never get dirty either!

House Cleaning Tip #1

You dust your house, you vacuum, mop and Windex. Standing at 5'7" the house looks spotless. Then you sit down with your child to play and notice a whole other world of dust!

I know as a mother when you sit down you have a different view of furniture and can see all sorts of things that you don't when you are standing to clean. If you have kids or even if you don't but have friends with kids chances are they will all be sitting on your floor to play next time they are over. Take a minute when you are cleaning to sit down and have a look around. Is there cobwebs between the chair legs? Do your chair legs have splatters of some sort on them? Is there dust on your baseboards? Is there dust balls under your couch? You get the idea.

I know this sounds random but it is only when company is over do you notice all these random things that you feel the need to attend to immediately. It can make the difference of your house looking spot clean or truly clean!

A Memorable Trip to the Doctor's Office

Today I went in for a physical. Nothing exciting there. I really wasn't thinking of all the... shall we say 'intricate details' of a medical. If I had I probably wouldn't have brought company in the form of a 3 year old. Yes the baby was there as well, but at 10 months he really could care less about what is going on. To really get a laugh you have to picture yourself in my shoes or I guess without shoes in this case.

As soon as we entered the room and the nurse pulled out the paper gown I froze in my tracks. How could I have been so foolish as to forget the medical attire or lack there of. So as I start to disrobe my 3 year old starts yelling "NO MOM! No No your girl bits! No one can see your girl bits".  I explained to him that the doctor was just going to check my scar (I had a C-section with my second child) and when the doctor came in he could watch a movie on his portable DVD player. (Luckily this was in the car and when I realized what was about to go down went and got it. Better he watch a Thomas movie then a 'horror' show live!)  He was content with that answer and went back to playing.

The doctor came in, greeted us and sat down. My son giggled grabbed my bra from under the stroller, wound up and pitched it at my doctor's head. It hit him right square in the forehead then fell onto his lap. My doctor rocks. He simply made a joke that he "never has had that thrown at him...in his office anyways" and then went back to the check up. I on the other hand could not stop laughing.

The rest of the check up went smoothly as both boys settled in to watch the Thomas movie. With the exception of low blood pressure I got out of there with a clean bill of health and only a shred of my dignity stripped away.

Hot Yoga

About 5 years ago I tried hot yoga maybe 3 times. I really liked it but at the time the class schedule was not conducive to my work schedule so I did not continue to do it. I did enjoy it and found that the extra heat did make a difference in my flexibility. I also feel like I get a more strenuous workout, although this could be an illusion. It is hard not to think you are working harder then regular yoga when you are sweating up a storm. Never the less I think it does offer a greater cardio workout then traditional yoga.

If you are not familiar with hot yoga, it is yoga done in a room that is kept between 95-110 degrees. Around here they are generally not hotter then 100. The warmth is said to increase flexibility as well as release toxins from the body. Of course it also provides all the other goodies yoga does; de-stress, improve energy, help posture, increase flexibility, etc.

I recently have joined Yoga Shack for their 40 day trial period. I am loving it! The instructors are helpful and friendly. The facilities are clean and have lots of character. There is free parking near by. They have on average 55 classes per week, so there is bound to be a few that work for you. After I have taken a few more classes I will report more.

Tamarine Resturant

It is seldom my husband and I go out for dinner. Between the kids bedtimes, his soccer games & practice, work and what ever else is going on, months go by and we haven't gone out to dine. I really don't mind at all, but occasionally it is nice to try something different.

The kids and us where invited out for a party the other evening at the Tamerine Restaurant, here in London. It was my first time being there (no shocker there) and I quite enjoyed it. The decor is was stylish and full of clean lines, making it fresh looking. It was clean, a definate must in my book. The staff is super friendly, kind and very efficient. We had a 3 year old and 9 month old in tow and not once did they make a face or roll their eyes at them. (We were there for about 3 1/2 hours. My son sat still  for about 4 of those minutes.)

Now for the food! I had the Spicy Lemongrass Chicken and hubby had Pad Thai. My dish was spicy without being uncomfortably hot. The mushrooms and chicken were cooked to perfection and the noodles were not over or under done. The Pad Thai was the best I have ever had! I always add Hoisen sauce and had no desire to with this particular one because the spices were perfect!

We will go back and I recommend you checking it out too!