Love & Shopping

And, so, it seems Mr. Darling & I are at a crossroads. After six years we are stuck and as such, we are, for lack of a better term, on hold, I suppose. I don't know what is going to happen or how it will turn out (or how the tear in my heart will heal) but I do know this; I have never wanted to shop so bad. A luscious sweater or new pair of sky-high booties (which I would probably wear a sum total of twice, but still...) could be just the thing to give my confidence a lift. And distraction would be delicious. Even the reckless spending would make me feel, at least a little, in control.

But, for now, I will clean the shit out of my house, try to find distraction elsewhere, keep myself out of the shops and hope that, as Mama S frequently says; It will all come out in the wash.

Love, P

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #9

Topshop Bandage Tunic, $44

I love Topshop and I love this tunic. Perfect with leggings, skinny pants or on its own. I know this gem won't be around next year so if you would like to buy it for me I will email you my size.

Love, A

P.S. Just kidding!

(About the fact that I would ever wear this top on its own sans legwear, not about you buying it for me...)

The 5 "Common Threads" of Unworn Clothes

How do you know if you should make a clothing purchase or not? A conundrum we are all faced with often (except us here at FR, of course!). Well, I have spent the last 166 days thinking about the best answer to that question. There really is no right answer, but I can offer a few pointers, having shopped exclusively in my own closet since May.

Some items I have worn over and over to the point of embarrassment (my Paper Denim jeans, anyone?) and others still sit there, untouched, as if they were part of an exhibit in a museum. These untouched items all share similar characteristics. Before rushing into any purchase, take a moment and think about the list below. The unworn items in my closet share these "common threads" (pardon the pun!)

1. They do not easily coordinate with other items in my closet - stick to color palettes that you wear often and then, mix in a few prints that contain those colors. I am obsessed with both black and white, and my "color" faves are royal blue and emerald green with a touch of pink thrown in. Hence, the unworn peach blouse hanging in my closet.

2. The fit is off - I cannot stress how important this is, especially in your 30's and beyond!

3. The item is too trend driven - you love the look of the faux fur vest that is so hot right now, but why not try a cute jacket with fur trim instead for more longevity?

4. It was only purchased because it was on sale - as in "I would not have bought it at regular price"- my BIGGEST downfall!

5. The item does not suit my lifestyle - it seems as though I might own a few too many pairs of strappy beach sandals for someone who lives in San Francisco...

Remember these tips next time you are about to put an item on that new layaway plan at your fave boutique! You will be thanking me several months from now.

Love, A

Trendy Fur Vest vs. Coat with Fur Update

Avoid the pitfalls of buying items that are too trendy and don't fit your lifestyle. The above coat can be found on Bluefly by Marc New York for $159.

Shallow Al

I am about to confess to you how shallow I really am. Brace yourselves. I lost my very cute William Morris Printed Water Bottle (pictured below) on a diaper mission with Baby E at Target. First of all, I was devastated to be at Target only buying baby-related items with names such as "snack-trap" and "tiny-diner" and not buying items with names like "Anna Sui" or "Isaac Mizrahi". Then on top of that I lose my favorite water bottle! Please give me points for being an environmentalist and carrying a reusable bottle, but dock me some for actually caring about what my water bottle looks like.

Upon returning home I scoured my cupboards looking for a decent bottle replacement and I came up with what is pictured below. It is HIDEOUS. Black plastic with a white top. I bet you never thought a water bottle could be hideous, but now you know it can. This bottle was a freebie from my favorite local general store called Fredericksen Hardware and Paint. I had never used this bottle before, purely based on esthetics, but now I must use it everyday. I am truly saddened by the loss. I miss my bottle. Waaah! I sound like my daughter.

Anyway, let the judgement roll in. I can take it. I would love to hear what you have to say about all of this, and if you think I am crazy for buying a fancy water bottle to begin with. I guess this could be one of the many reasons why I am in Fashion Rehab...

Love, A

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #8

The ones that got away... These should be called "When I Could've, I Should've"! I found these amazing Cole Haan black patent pumps for a steal at an outlet mall in Orlando about a year ago. (Oooh! Outlet mall...).

The newer version is pictured above and are $199. Why did I let them get away, you ask? Well, the story is I had two pairs clutched in my arms; the pumps and a pair of black patent flats. It seemed too excessive to buy both and I went with the flats because black flats were one of the things I was specifically looking for that day.

Big mistake. Huge. I really should have bought both. Cause the thing is - brace yourself - I don't own a proper pair of black pumps.

And they really were the most comfortable heels I have ever worn. Even if it was just in the store.

Love, P

Mum's the Word

That's my Mum when she was a teenager. I mean, honestly. I know I am biased, but how cute is she? (And how fashionable is her 'do?)

You'd think we were celebrating Mother's Day in October here at 365 FR, but it just so happens that my Mama was in Toronto visiting me at the same time that Mama S was in San Francisco visiting A, her hubby and Baby E. The Mater and I also live in different cities (different countries for that matter) and we don't get to see each other very often.

I have to credit my Mum for much of my shopping expertise. She is a woman of amazing taste and it is something she passed down. (A blessing and a curse, really.) I still remember the day she came home with my first ever "outfit" - grey cords, a wicked top with one blue, one white and one grey triangle (can you tell I was a child of the eighties???) with a matching reversible blue and grey belt. The outfit was totally kick ass and a fashionista was born. I wish I had a photo to share... But I digress.

Point is, The Mater picked out that outfit for me and on that day, in a subtle and seamless way, she passed on her love of fashion. She didn't have it easy growing up, but having spent part of this weekend looking at slides of her with her Mum and her childhood BFF - her A, if you will - I noticed something... My Mother's Mother, though they weren't at all wealthy, always looked outstanding. Call it the era or the tailoring, if you want. I call it style.

I never met my Grandmother, Gertrude, and though that is something that has always made me quite sad, I feel a kind of connection with her now. Through my Mum. Through those slides. Through fashion.

And people say fashion is frivolous.

Love, P

P.S. I will also have you know, The Mater took me to Tiffany's. Ouch!

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #7

Cargo Lip Gloss Quad in Oceania $24

Ok, what I really wanted was a lip palette by Nars called "Best Of Lips" that retails at Saks for $50. Then I thought about it. Even though I still can't buy the above Cargo palette until 2010, it does seem like a reasonable price to pay for four super cute colors. Five months into Fashion Rehab has taught me that maybe paying $50 for lip gloss might just be a tad irresponsible. But what about paying $30 for Nars Bronzing Powder? Umm, yes please! Oh, I guess that is a whole other lust-story...

Love, A

The Beanie: To Have or Have Not

I love hats. I certainly do not wear one everyday, but when the rain comes, or if I am feeling like I want to change up my look, I throw on my pageboy. If I am extra daring I might even wear my fedora. One style I just can’t get down with is the beanie.

Is it because I am not a Bohemian college twenty-something (nor is Kate Hudson pictured here on the right) or is it because the trend is just downright ugly? Help me see the light!

Love, A

The Beanie?

Lust-Fund, Baby!

I am thinking of starting a lust-fund. Since I can't shop right now, I thought I would start saving some pennies - at this point it is still sadly just pennies. Even without the shopping, the cash still ain't a-flowin'. But nonetheless, this is what I'm thinking.

When A and I first came up with the idea for 365 Fashion Rehab, we were talking about how when we were younger, we always thought that when we reached our thirties, we would have, well, stuff. A house. A car (or cars - greedy minxes!). A 401k/RRSP. Maybe even a great piece of art. Say, for example, we (and I feel quite confident speaking for A here because I was there) had not each bought 47 tank tops, we could potentially have one of those things. Or, at least, a down payment for one of them.

With my lust-fund, I am still thinking assets & investments, but I am going to start with something slightly smaller. Something that is a more attainable (and enjoyable!) investment. Jewellery. Real. Valuable. Jewellery. Thanks to The Mater, I already have a baby collection of gems that she has very generously passed down to me. The great thing about investing in jewellery, say, over a Chloe bag (yum...) or a pair of Louboutins (some day....just one pair?) is that, for the most part, jewels aren't as affected by wear. Their value doesn't decrease the longer you wear them. Get a scratch on that bag or a scuff on those heels and sentimental value is all that you'll have for the three (sometimes four!) figures you spent. Not with the rocks. You can wear them to your little heart's desire and they'll still be worth just as much - maybe more - than when you bought them. I'll think of it as my "Investment in the Rough".

So, beautiful, classic, diamond earrings may be my first post- Fashion Rehab purchase... depending on how my lust-fund grows.

Love, P

P.S. When I told Mr. Darling about my idea, he said, "I thought I was your lust-fun!?". "Lust-fund, honey. Lust-fund."

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #6

American Apparel Shiny Legging in Night Fever Black $46

Am still regretting not having bought these in my pre-Rehab days. Soooo should have snagged a pair when they first came out but you gotta have some serious cajones (and a perfect bod) to pull them off. Since I've stopped shopping, I feel more fearless fashion-wise. Is that weird?

Love, P

Mom Jeans

My mom is in town. We live 3800 miles apart, at opposite ends of the continent, so sadly we don't get hang out out as much as we would like. Of course shopping has always been one of our favorite activities. My mom had “a few things” that she wanted to pick up while she was here, and asked me if shopping with her would be bothersome or difficult. A bother? No, not at all! Difficult? Hmm…maybe a bit. I had a few jealous moments whilst checking out the frilly lacy things in Gap Body, and perhaps I would have loved those Pierre Hardy suede pumps I saw for half-off, but otherwise I survived.

I love shopping with my mom and picking out styles for her that she wouldn’t normally wear. Styles that maybe are not in her comfort zone. In the past she has often bought things that are too big for her, something I think that was passed down from her mother. Having lost a bit of weight recently, my mom needed a new pair of jeans and I was determined that they fit her properly. She found a really cute dark denim pair at The Gap, and after convincing her the 30s looked too big, she slipped on the 29s, and voilà they were perfect! I am so happy for her. The jeans are fabulous, age-appropriate, and do not resemble anything close to a mom jean.

If you are somehow unfamiliar with the "mom jean" and need a visual, check out the SNL skit below (written by Tina Fey), it is hilarious. Oh, and if your Mom happens to have a pair of jeans in her closet with a nine-inch zipper and an elastic waistband, please do us all a huge favor and burn them.

Love, A

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #5

House of Harlow 1960 Plated Thin Stack Ring

It is simple. It is basic. It is stackable. And it is only $20. I would like five of these. How about you?

Love, A

Thanks for the Memories...

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada and I was lamenting this morning to Mr. Darling about my post and it's lack of content. His response inspired what you are about to read. What he said was simple, maybe even obvious, but since we weren't sitting around a table with our loved ones (sniff!) and there wasn't a turkey or a plate of homemade stuffing in sight, I guess I wasn't feeling the vibe. "It's Thanksgiving. Write about giving thanks," he said, "something you're thankful for." Well, ladies and gents, this post is now officially devoted to A. For her, I am incredibly thankful.

I hope all of you reading this are lucky enough to have an A in your life. As you may already know, I have known her for over two decades (Good grief! When did that happen?) and we have shared many a moment. We met one night, on a hill, right around this time of year and have been BFF's ever since. We have maintained our friendship across continents, oceans and many a dinner table. And, like most BFF's out there, shared laughter, tears and more shopping trips than I can count.

As A and I were having our weekly skype meeting last week, talking about how far we've come (4 1/2 months people! Remember in the first poll, some people said we wouldn't make it a few weeks?), something occurred to me; I could not do this without her. Literally. Whatever I will learn and whatever it will mean when it is all over, that is something I can tell you for certain right now. This experiment has not been (and is still not) easy. Though people may think it is silly and not that big a deal, I think A would agree with me that it has been gruesome. (Ok, that is a tad dramatic, but there have been some miserable moments.) Truth be told, without my Rehab Sister, I might not have lasted more than a few weeks. She inspires me, comforts me and cheers me.

I could not quit shopping for an entire year without you, dude. Among many other things.

Love, P

Playing Fashion Editor in Your Own Closet

As time slowly drags on here in Fashion Rehab-land, both P and I must work extra hard to come up with new ways to wear old pieces from our wardrobes. And by "old" I mean things we bought more than five months ago (in the fashion world that can be an eternity).

I recently became inspired by a contest that Piperlime is running called "Want to play fashion editor?" in which everyday fashionistas log on to create looks with Piperlime's must-have trends for fall. Basically, this is marketing GENIUS because we (the collective "we") are doing all of the dirty work for them. While we are putting these looks together we are also scouring the Piperlime website, finding pieces that ultimately we also want to buy! The experience was was a little bit like visiting the Bi-Rite Creamery (for all you SF'ers) while on a fat-free diet. It was trés dificile. I am totally freaking out over the Missoni pumps shown below. Love them! Check out my "set", how do you think I did? The contest runs on Piperlime until October 11th. You should try it, you could win a $250 gift card and Rachel Zoe picks the winners.

My "set" for Piperlime

Now, on to my closet. The ensemble below is a little black and white number that I put together for date night. White ruffle Gap top, vintage gold buckled belt, black Target skirt, Circa Joan & David patent strappy sandals and vintage Bally bag. Cute, yes? How awesome would it be to do this for your whole closet? On the downside you would have to take an insane amount of photos, but on the upside it would instantly solve the "I have nothing to wear" dilemma that we all face each day. This might even save you money in the long run because you will not feel the need to replenish your clothes as often!

My "set" from my closet for date night

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, we do not actually receive any money from Piperlime for these endorsements, we are just totally into their site!

Love, A

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #4

Sorel Plaid Boots $95

In case you didn't know, I live in a varying climate. A climate where, come December, having a solid pair of winter boots is beyond essential. Toronto is known for its extreme weather - bone-chillingly cold in winter, hot like soup in summer (though not this year. Am still in mourning...). Even though it pains me greatly to be highlighting such a cold weather item when I am still hoping for a mid-autumn heat wave, I feel these booties are way too cute to keep to myself. I saw them on Piperlime and am now obsessed. These super rad boots are totally waterproof and warm to -50 celsius (-58 fahrenheit). And, who can resist the plaid? I mean, really! It doesn't get more Northern than these babies. So, I say, if we must endure the cold (wah!), we should do it in style.

And, as always, by we, I mean you!

Love, P

Who Is on Your List?

I am sure you are all familiar with the concept of the "list". It first became popular on an episode of Friends several years ago. Some of you may even have an ongoing one with your significant other. It is an abstract agreement that dictates which people (usually celebrities) that either you or your partner can have sex with without it actually being considered cheating. I think Chandler had Jessica Rabbit on his list, but you may chose to put an actual human being on yours.

I think this same theory can apply to our relationship with our closets. I love my wardrobe, and I think we have a pretty good thing going, but given the opportunity would I step out on my closet for a one-night stand with a closet that was on my “list”? Yes, I would, and I think you would, too. We all admire the style of certain celebrities and wish for just one day we could walk a block or two in their Manolos.

Here are my top 5 celeb closets that I covet and why:

Kate Moss (icon, trend-setter, boho meets glam goddess)

Gwyneth Paltrow (classic yet chic, amazing cocktail dresses, tailored blazers)

Carrie Bradshaw (ok, so she is fictional, but the tutu, the Fendi baguettes - does this one even need explaining?)

Nicole Richie (love her mama wardrobe, her casual hipness, her great accessories)

Christy Turlington (original supermodel of the 90’s, she must have the most amazing pieces in her wardrobe! Let me in your closet, Mrs. Burns…)

So, who's on your list?

Love, A

If I Could, I Would...

Lust-Have #3

Banana Republic dress $180

Sorry to give you the one-two dress punch on this, our 3rd "If I Could I Would..." installment. I had actually fully planned to write about something lusty from the makeup department. But then I my gaze (i.e. browser) fell upon this. Seriously, look at this Banana beauty. Day, night. Hot, cold. Dressed up or down... I'm Cole Porter all over and totally in L-O-V-E.

Love, P