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.

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

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

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

Shorts... Or Lack Thereof

I am in desperate need of some summer shorts. None of my shorts fit great, but that doesn't mean much since I find shorts to be ill fitting in general. They seem to have bigger hips then pants do, or they have odd pockets. Mine are all sliding off and I think they look a tad 'momish'.

I have been shopping but all the ones I see are either long (those I have and are satisfied with) or so short that I couldn't bend over in the playground without exposing my 'girl bits' (as my son calls them). So the search continues.

If anyone knows of some cute, well fitting mid - short (but not obscene) shorts send me a comment!

Jennifer Aniston's Rocking Body & Mandy Ingber Yogalosophy

No one can deny that Jennifer Aniston has an amazing body for any age, let alone someone over 40. There are 20 year olds that would kill for her body! There is no doubt that she works out hard and watches what she eats. She attributes her body to cardio and yoga. Upon winning a "Decade of Hotness" award at a recent awards show, Mandy Ingber, her yoga teacher was personally thanked by Jennifer. That says a lot.

Now you can have a shot at a body like hers! Mandy has a video entitled Yogalosophy. It contains two 30 minute routines and one 55 minute one as well. This workout is supposed to bring about the usual perks of yoga, connecting mind, body and emotions with the bonus of toning! I have this video and have just started doing it again. It gives you a chance to do yoga poses that lead into weight bearing exercises. For example you do a downward dog and finish it with a series of lunges. The perfect combo of stretching and strengthening.

Jennifer Aniston does and introduction on the video and Mandy herself is great. She makes cheeky little comments and the editing is done in a way that makes you feel like you are working out with a girlfriend instead of a perfectly cut and edited, unrealistic instructorr. The video is available on Mandy's website.

40% off at the GAP

GAP currently has 40% off already marked down merchandise. This is an in store promotion. I just checked on line, alternatively they are offering an additional 25% off. So if you can get into a store that is defiantly the way to go.

I picked up an all leather belt for $6.95 with another 40% off that! They also had quite a few cute tshirts in various colours with some embellished detail at the neck for $9.99, with the discount they are only $6. Perfect for taking the kids to the park or a 'date' night when combined with heals and a cute skirt.

Since everything is already marked down the selection and sizes are not all there, so it is the perfect time to get look for some extra pieces to compliment your wardrobe. Great for kids shirts too, they seem to go 3 a day!

Colour Blocking

I am sure by now you have seen magazine cover after cover of brightly hued outfits or seen articles mentioning the "trend to watch". . . colour blocking! On the runway the models are wearing full on head to toe colour in various hues and shades. (See above and below.) A nice change from the monochromatic and nude colours of the past few seasons, this one isn't for the faint of heart. While I personally love the colour combination the models are wearing below, you may want something a little more subdued for a day at the park with the kids. It can be quite wearable in real life with some simple tweaks.



If you just want to dip your toes into the trend try a bright shoe, bag or belt (may be all three) with a neutral outfit, jeans and a plain top or a little black dress. Check out the below pictures of ideas how you can wear the current trends in everyday life!

Bright Top and Contrasting Bag



Bright Pants With A White Top



Bold Pants and Shoes



Hot Pants With a Denim Top (another big trend)

Neutral Colours With A Bold Belt

Bright Pants with Neutrals and Similar Tones

Aden and Anais Baby Blankets

If you have had a baby or are expecting one you soon realize how many receiving style blankets you accumulate. We probably have close to 25 around here. Now receiving blankets do have their place, they are warm, perfectly sized for a newborn and can take a lot of washings, but I prefer Muslin cloth blankets. Aden and Anais brand to be specific. Consider getting a few of these for yourself or for a great shower/baby gift.

I absolutely adore these blankets! They are lightweight and breathable. In fact if they were to be over your child's face they would still be able to breath, which is comforting. This makes them perfect for nursing. I found when I covered my son with the traditional receiving blankets to nurse he would get really hot, almost sweaty under the blanket, that doesn't happen with these. In the summer since they are light weight they can be still be used to block the wind without over heating baby. They are also large in size. I can use mine to tie my son to me. Although it isn't sturdy like a Baby Bjorn or a actual swaddler is, if I just want to take some of his weight off my arms by placing him against my stomach and tying it around my shoulders and back I give my biceps a break. I can't totally let him go but my body is carrying most of the weight and my arms are there for security. The patterns are super cute. I frequently get asked if the blanket(s) are a scarf because they are so much more stylish the traditional blankets.

I purchased mine at Cheeky Monkey. I purchased the Paparazzi-Black & White ones! I totally love them. They are a must have for any moms and moms to be out there!

Crafts for Toddlers

I always envisioned my child and I sitting around and doing crafts. You know macaroni necklaces, glue and sparkles, cutting out snowflakes, making things with beads. . . turns out most of the crafts that I envisioned are slightly, well, feminine for a toddler boy. I guess I am not the only one who conjures up images of crafts for girls because anyone who has gone shopping for crafts knows there is a very limited selection for boys! For girls there is jewelery making kits, 'stained glass' kits, shoe decorating, bead projects, hair accessory tools, all for older as well as younger girls. When you do find boy's crafts they are usually for older boys, like model planes.

Quite often I go to the Dollar Store to pick up something to do with my son. He usually looses interest quickly or they are too old for him. Today I went to Michaels craft store in hopes to find chocolate brown muffin wrappers (with no luck) but did stumble across some cute things to do with my son and at great prices to boot! I find crafts are such a great way for my son to work on patience and his fine motor skills!

Together we picked a pre-assembled plain and bird house, both that he can paint. The price couldn't be beat. . . $1.50 each! They had several more things that I will go back and pick up when he is not with me, to surprise him.  Just some of the things I saw were; a napkin ring project, paintable picture frame, decoratable summer hat & t-shirt, a door hanger and a goodie cone. All of these could be used for both genders.

After dinner he painted the bird house. He loved it! He sat still for 35 minutes and painted! He has never sat still for that long, even in his sleep! He did a really good job and since the sides of the bird house are flat without a lot of detail they were easy to paint and he was confident about what he was doing! It is amazing to see the look on your child's face when they know they are doing a great job at something, they light up!

The Michaels' website also has lots of craft ideas sorted by children's age and length of time to be aloted for the project. Happy crafting!

Spring is Here! Are Your Rain Boots Ready?

It seems like this year spring and winter are competing more than usual. Once day it is warm and the next it snowing! This means an even wetter spring than usual. My son can't wait to splash in every puddle that he can find. As long as he is wearing his boots I always give him the go ahead, but that quite often results with me being splashed as well. Well with this season's chic line up of rain boots whether it is to the office, shopping or to the park you can look sleek and cute while still being practical.

If you are like me and hate ruining leather shoes in the rain or getting wet feet, then rain boots are super handy. There is a pair for everyone and their budget, rain boots range from $19.99 to $200+. Depending on how much you plan on wearing them really determines your budget for them. I have found some really cute ones from both ends of the price spectrum and everywhere in between. One tip that I would recommend is don't wear your rain boots if it is not raining or not supposed to. They can look a tad schlepy on a bright sunny day, with the exception of the park (there always seems to be huge puddles at the bottom of the slides that take until June to dry), or if you are doing something that is pretty dirty like gardening or something of the sort.

Coach Rain Boots $108.00

  

Hunter Rain Boot $125

Pink Cookie Zahara Rain Boot $19.98

Get Splashing!

Michael Kors Watches

So I have a slight obsession with Michael Kors watches. I love them! Great quality, responsible prices and wonderful style what's not to love?!?!

 Michael Kors has a watch for everybody; men and women, funky coloured, classic tortoise shell, ceramic, silicone, metal, leather and of course the wildly popular yellow gold and rose gold watches! I have the below two. Realistically how many watches can a person wear, but I cannot help drooling over the new Shiny Square face gold watch, and the Rose Gold watch with the navy face. I originally wanted the rose gold watch but it did nothing for me with my skin tone, so I opted for the plain yellow gold. I think the navy face would compliment the rose gold and add just enough colour to make it look sharp.

Like These?!?!

Have you ever seen something that you love but you can't explain why? Something that is not your typical style but you absolutely adore? The following are perfect examples of things that I was instantly drawn to.


1.2.
3.
4.5.


1. Haute Hippie Longhorn skull-motif jersey sweatshirt $135
2. Balmain Printed cotton tank $575
3. Isabel Marant Semax mid-rise printed skinny jeans $480
4. Kevington silk blazer $1,820
5. Bird by Juicy Couture Cashmere track pants $400

New Shoes!

So I went to the local department store today to get my Black Pearl nail polish and on my way to the Chanel counter I passed the shoe department. As I do have quite a few pairs of shoes, and my husband has told me to rein in the shoe purchasing I tried to avoid making eye contact with the shoes, so they couldn't call to me. You know the voice "it's me the heels that you have been looking all over for, you know the ones you saw in Vogue and liked". As I was strolling by out of the corner of my eye I saw a sign '50% off lowest ticked price'!!! Dum, dum, dum . . . I was loured in!

In a trance I quickly went to the size 7 section to check out what was there. I tried to grab up all the ones that I was interested in before anyone else noticed these ridiculously priced shoes. Like honestly how are these people walking by with Ralph Lauren shoes going for $32? Nine West for $30? Anne Kline for $28? Clearly I was the only one with a shoe fetish in this store!

Now I have a process for shoe shopping. . . after checking out the size 7s (my actual size) I scan the 6 1/2s and the 7 1/2, may be even the 8s occasionally. Hey you never know! Some fit big and there are always insoles for those too big shoes! So anyways I didn't have much luck with the 'bonus' sizes except for one pair of Nine West shoes. Below are the two I purchased, both still selling online at full price!

The first are dark Charcoal and Patent Black. Usually they retail for $130CDN and I got them for $29.99! They will be perfect with the new pair of tweed paints I got with the low waisted pleats. Similar to these ones.

Nine West Almund 2, Platform Heel

The second pair I purchased are Cheetah print pony haired ballet flats. Regularly $89CDN I got them for $34.99. These are perfect for taking the kids to the park or grocery shopping.

Lauren Ralph Lauren, Evelia Flats

And yes I did get my nail polish as well!

Two Things I 'Need' Right Now

I have been hearing rave reviews about the Spring 2011 Chanel Nail Colours, Black Pearl in particular. It has the perfect amount of sheen without being sparkly, I really cannot get into that sparkly trend that is happening right now. It is dark without looking Goth and it is opaque. I have not bought it yet as I have quite the collection of polishes but I have decided to get it tomorrow!  Love it!

Update: Bought this nail colour and love it!

I love all things Kieh's! Besides La Mer it is the only face cream I use. This past week I was sent a sample of their new Rosa Artica. It is moisturizing without being greasy, it makes my skin feel lifted without feeling tight and it goes on nice and smooth.  Love it!