To Buy Or Not To Buy?

Today I would like to discuss a moral fashion dilemma some of us have from time to time, whether or not we should drop $700 on a pair of pumps simply because they are crafted by a genius designer and made of fine fabrics? I will admit I may have phrased that in a way that would persuade you to side with going ahead with the purchase, but I just couldn't help myself. 

Please feast your eyes on Exhibit A

These are the Manolo Blahnik BB Fabric Watercolor Pumps. I am not sure what BB stands for but I can only assume "Bloody Brilliant" (if you're British), "Bogus n Bitchin (if you're hip and cool), or perhaps "Bold & Beautiful" (not the soap opera).

I truly believe a pair of silk watercolor pumps are the perfect addition to any wardrobe. The only issue is the price tag, at $645 before tax and shipping these babies are an investment piece no doubt. 

Now take a look at Exhibit B

These are the Alice + Olivia Dina Watercolor Pumps. Available via Shopbop and at a fraction of the price they are also super cute, no? They can produce the exact same look we were going for with the Manolo's and also look slightly more comfortable. Coming in at $295 they are an average priced pump and a great addition to any summer wardrobe. 

So what do you think? Its the age old question, splurge or steal? Let me know what you think, and also if you like my cheapo + expensiveo (yes a word I just made up) comparison and want me to make it a regular on my blog. 

Happy shopping!

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! Its not often you hear people say that, but I figured I would shine some light on this dreary, rainy day with the introduction of a new pair of shoes and the subsequent cute pattered pants I paired them with.  

I'm not usually one to embrace the 80's revival trends, but the past few season's coloured basic pumps are out of control. I wish I could collect them all, but sadly my husband, closet space, and my credit limit wont allow me to. Pictured above are the pair we picked up in Florence last week, they really are something else, so shiny and actually pretty comfortable. Well, that was a bit of an embellishment, they are very uncomfortable, but not AS bad as some of the other pumps I own. Look at me, always finding a positive spin on life :)  

Surprisingly I have already worn them outside, but only once, lets not get crazy here. I prefer to wear them indoors, example below. And even though the shoes already speak for themselves I paired them with patterned pants, I think they both managed to hold their own, what do you think? 

Summer Must-have: Espadrilles

I'm going out on a limb here and saying that the first thing we must-have for us to enjoy our summer fashion is...well, summer itself to show its face! Im not a meteorologist but I'm pretty sure this isn't summery weather we are experiencing. 

Nonetheless, since returning from my trip I have been wearing a new pair of flat espadrilles non stop. They are gold with beige stitching and come from Winners, which means they were amazingly affordable (they were also a gift from my mom, awww) but mainly they are easily the most comfortable shoes I own. I really wish I had them two weeks ago when I was doing all that walking in Italy.

My new love for these lil espadrilles lead me on an internet search for more of its kind. When you type "Espadrill..." into Google "Espadrilles Chanel" is the number one search. No kidding, last summer the Chanel espadrille was wildly popular, even with its crazy price tag. 

So I went on a hunt for other, just as cute designer espadrilles. So, without further adieu, here they are. P.S  from net-a-porter & shopbop. 

From top left, clockwise: Valentino, Louboutin, Tory Burch, Stella, Mar by Marc, Marais. Ferragamo

I should mention that I also found THIS pair, totally affordable and just as cute  

What is Your Spring Uniform?

One of my favourite sayings is "Spring has sprung", not knowing exactly what has "sprung", but fully in tune with the signs that spring has arrived, whenever I hear this I cant help but smile. For me spring brings several definite's  First, the official annual announcement from me that I have gone "sock-less", this is the special day every year where I announce to the world my commitment to banish socks from my daily regime. Follow me on Facebook and you will be lucky enough to be privy to this announcement. Another guarantee when spring has sprung is that my wardrobe will suddenly take on a new personality. I admit that during the winter months I severely lack styling creativity and as the cold dreary months roll on I start to lose interest in getting dressed all together, no I don't go out nude but I do wear the same dress pants 5 days a week and the same sweat top every evening after work (my husband must be thrilled).  

Spring on the other hand is a whole different ball game, not one for temperamental extremes I despise hot humid summer's and shiver at the thought of winter, but spring, oh spring you are so glorious.  If there ever were a time when my wardrobe shines its spring. When asked what my "spring uniform was?" I literally jumped out of my seat, ran up to my closet and began pulling items. See, I have been stock piling spring clothing and accessories since January, and finally their time has arrived. 

This year I am in love with many, many, many (MANY) styles and trends, but because I know you don't have 2 straight days to sit here reading 1 post I have narrowed down to only three for today. And lookey, I even made a neat collage/inspiration board to articulate my point. 

1. Black and White: for some reason, to me black and white also equals stripes (which I know is another trend all together) but I have combined them here for you. A sweet dress, an awesome pair of Marc Jacobs mouse ballerina flats, or striped pumps  are the perfect way to incorporate stripes, or you can just stick to a basic striped sweater. You can also try a two tone sandal  or the super adorable black bow pattern I am showing. The easiest thing to do, is throw on a cute black lace skirt and pair it with a plain white t, perfection. 

2. Up next, PANTS: So profound eh? Pants, for spring? I know most people are thinking flowy dresses, shorts even depending on where you live, but this girl is thinking pants. All of those gorgeous silk pants you couldn't wear in the winter because they would be dragging in slush and covered by your coat are now the perfect wardrobe item. I'm obsessing over pants lately because I feel they can be a surprisingly sexy item if worn properly. Pink, yellow, and pattern are all fine by me, and don't forget my favourite, the crisp, white dress pant, ahhhh. 

3. Blue Accessories: This most likely wont come as a shock to most people who read my blog have access to the internet, or have opened up a fashion magazine in the past two months, the blue accessory is hot this spring! My personal fav is in the form of shoes, sorry I cant help myself I love to use my shoes as the focal point of my outfit and build up from there. Blue pumps are the easiest way in my opinion to embrace the trend. But what about blue sneaker's or blue mesh open toe booties? 

Well there you have it, please feel free to share your thoughts on these trends. Oh, and also, do you think trends should become your "uniform" or staple items? Obviously I'm fine with it as displayed above, but not everyone may be. Please share with moi as usual, I love your feedback. 

~ this post was written and submitted to IFB as part of the IFB Project # 88: What is your spring uniform?

Lets Talk Denim

Put your virtual hand up if your staple comfort clothing includes some form of denim. Sounds silly to say that “comfort” equates anything made of denim but I am sure (hope) others will agree when I say that denim is my feel good material. 

I attribute this to the fact that as a teenager I worked at a local denim street store, our wall o’denim housed all of the big names for that time, like Miss 60, Diesel, Paper Denim and Cloth, Rock N Republic, and GAS.  Every time a new style or line came into the store our loving shop owners would let us try them on and sometimes even take a pair home. This resulted in me owning a disgustingly large collection of denim, some styles were practical and others, like fur trimmed flares with a slit half way up the shin were not! I was lucky enough to have access to the best of the best for the many years and I picked up some tricks of the trade along the way. How to properly fold your denim so that it doesn't wrinkle, how to ‘hem’ your jeans at the last minute without cutting or sewing (flip inside out, use tape and iron over – it will hold for an entire day) and which ‘rise’ and styles work best for your body type.

Rounding the corner to 30 brought a tad of weight gain and a dash of maturity which left me incapable and opposed to squeezing into my old jeans. I held out for several years and didn't splurge on anything more than the $80 Mango jeans I had grown to love, but last year I met my new denim friend, Current Elliott. 

To say I am picky when it comes to the jeans I allow onto my body is an understatement, with all of my denim knowledge and my history of  free and grossly discounted jeans, paying full price for a pair of jeans was not in my repertoire, but somehow  THESE were different.  For me to brag about a particular denim line is unheard of, put simply, I have always been a denim whore.

The pair that got me hooked was the wildly popular “Stiletto” from last year. They made it in so many different colours and patterns’ it was difficult to not collect them all (or impossible at an average of $220 a pair) but I loved them, and I am still wearing them today, well not today cause I am at work as you read this…but tomorrow, cause its Jeans Day J

Anywho, I thought I would spread the love, in case anyone out there has yet to try on a pair of these fantasmic jeans. These are my top 3 styles, you should totes try them out this spring! If you have your own love story with a particular brand of denim then please share with me, or if you have thoughts on Current Elliot as well, then please share. I love your feedback.

1. skinny/stiletto: Current Elliot calls these "the stiletto" its main characteristics are the super fitted leg that is so narrow you sometimes have to take your pants off inside out, and a nice low rise. Bonus points because they can easily be tucked into short booties. Shopbob has a great selection in case you're too lazy to go shopping. 

2. the boyfriend jean: what did I say before about jeans very well being your staple comfy and cozy item? these are a perfect example of that. 

3. embellished/patterned: as I said, Current Elliot does patterns SO so well. Also check out these, and THESE (I want, I want) and these if you want to be more subtle. 

P.s I find that in Toronto for the best selection of Current Elliot's head over to Aritzia or Holt Renfrew  

Links a la Mode: March 21, 2013

Thank you IFB for once again including my post in your weekly round up. My chambray 3 ways post was inspired by my dreams of sunshine and patio's, pedicures and open toe sandals. Unfortunately the weather here in Toronto hasn't been in agreement with the fact that Spring began several days ago now. But you can still check out my post and use it as inspiration for that day in the near future when hopefully the snow stops falling and you can bare your ankles without getting frost bite. And of course please check out the other 19 chosen posts and enjoy :) 

Spring Fever
Yesterday Spring officially sprung. While some of us are spring cleaning, some of us are coveting the trends and outfits we can wear with warmer weather. I know I'm into it after a cold winter! Anyway, we've got a really great mix this week. From learning what exactly "Haute Couture" means, to various explorations of all the Spring Trends for this year, some really great remixes how to take it all in with your camera phone. I'd say it's a great way to kick off the season, and hopefully you're as excited as I am!
Now... let's get started!

Links à la Mode: March 21, 2013

    
Attire Club: 12 Facts About Haute Couture
    
Cheap 'n' Chic Living: DIY Better Pics from Your Camera Phone
    
City of Gentleman: Blue Blazer
    
Empathetically Elle: 3 Reasons Why It's Great to Be a Fashion Blogger
    
In Jackie's Shoes: Pastels in The City
    
Inspirations and Celebrations: How to Dress Casual for Work
    
Laughing Latte: First Trimester Style
    
Nothing to Wear: 3 Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt
    
Primped and Primed: Trending: Holographic 
    
Pop Culture du Jour: Fashion Card Collectables
    
Post Modern Royalty: Paper Tigress
    
Shoe Pendant: How to Feel Good: Ladies Guide
    
The Fashion Style: Trends Mixing Prints
    
The In Club: Why I Haven't Read Mens Fashion Magazines
    
TLV Beauty: Best Body Treatments
    
Tobruck Avenue: Feeling Green 
    
Two Take on Style: 5 Things for Spring
    
We Are Ready Made: The Importance of Dots
    
Wild Beauty World: Beautiful People: Hedy Lamarr
    
Wishing for Chanel: Fashion Week Show Spaces

 

Got The Time?

I have a question on this gloomy Wednesday morning. Why don't women wear watches any more? 

Lately I have been taking mental note of whether stylish women are wearing watches, at work, out shopping, at dinner. My not-so-scientific survey has revealed that the majority of women take the time to throw on bangles and bracelets and leave their watch at home. Very few women still wear a watch every day, and I think I know why. I am blaming the popularization of the cell phone for the disappearance of the watch. 

Hear me out,how many times have you done this; someone asks you for the time and instead of checking that hunk of metal that is just chillin on your wrist you go into your purse and check your cell phone screen. Looooooser! I'm allowed to call you a loser, because I did that just last week. I wear a LARGE, gold Marc by Marc Jacobs watch almost every day of my life, its quite heavy and shiny, not easy to miss. Yet in the past two years that I have been wearing it I must admit I have probably only used it for time checking purposes about a dozen times. 

There, I said it, I own and wear watches not for their time-telling ability but for the aesthetic value, I once wore a watch for several weeks with the knowledge that the battery no longer worked. Lately I have reaaaally really been coveting a new watch. I have been scouring the net and came up with the beauties in the image below. 

Clockwise from top: Karl Stainless Steel Watch, Micheal Kors Rose Gold, Moschino silk tie watch, Movado, marc by marc jacobs Silicone Bracelet Watch, Michael Kors Leather Watch

Sweet aren't they? I'm a huge fan of rose gold right now and its the perfect addition to any watch collection if you already have the leather strap, gold boyfriend and silver dainty watch. The Moschino silk scarf watch definitely isn't for everyone but its so feminine and original. My favourite out of the above would have to be that sweet Movado. Oh and an added bonus of all of the above, some even tell time; if you care enough to look down instead of looking in your purse.

Tell me, do you still wear a watch? Can you not leave home without one?