Lust or Must? Lace Up Wedge Booties

Suede Wedge Booties by Steve Madden - $109 at Bloomingdale's

I was having coffee the other day at my neighborhood joint with the lovely Miss G when a girl came in wearing boots similar to the ones pictured above. I asked G what she thought of them and she said she liked them. I, on the other hand, wasn't sure. I thought Jane Doe looked great and could definitely appreciate her style (and her booties), but... "Nah, not for me", I told G.

But then something strange happened; I have been thinking about them ever since! Are they "not me"? Or just "not me...yet"?

poll by twiigs.com

Love, P

In The Know with 365FR - Designer Boot Deals

More Vanessa Bruno...

I rarely buy anything full price. This is for two reasons; one is that clothes and accessories have such a short selling cycle that a lot companies put their items on sale within 6-8 weeks of receiving them (I didn't shop for a year, I certainly can wait six weeks for an item), and the second reason is that when it comes to classic quality items I get more bang for my buck if I buy it on sale. Par example, if my budget is $200 for a bag, I would rather get a classic Coach bag at an end of season sale, versus one or two mid-range bags that might not last me through the fall. My exception to sale shopping is when it comes to trendy pieces.

The Way We Wore - Rainy Day Date

Yesterday was a blustery day in Toronto and also just happened to be Mr. Darling's and my anniversary. We love celebrating the day of our first date and had been looking forward to spending an entire day together. No pressure, no presents, no over the top fancy dinner - okay, well, truth be told, Mr. Darling wanted to go out for dinner and I wanted to give (and receive!) presents, but we were in agreement on one thing - we both wanted to have a chilled out, relaxing day. We've both been working our butts off lately and we didn't want our lovely day of love to turn into a day of potential disappointments preceded by high expectations.

Le Outfit - Marianne Bello aqua and gold necklace (the first piece of jewellery I ever got from Mr. Darling!), vintage baby blue raincoat from Sears, charcoal sequin henley T from J Crew, black sateen skirt from Joe Fresh, Corso Como boots, vintage gold bracelet, chevron bag from J Crew

Despite the rain and the wind, we accomplished what we wanted to the most; a relaxing day, together, just as much in love as we were all those years ago, on our very first date.

Love, P

The LBC Report: Camel (Not Just for Coats Anymore)

The LBC report. Lifestyle, budget, climate. Camel is everywhere this season but most of the magazines seem to be showing it only as outerwear. Perhaps there is no room in your budget for a camel coat (the nicer ones tend to run fairly pricey), or you live in a climate where wool is not actually part of your winter wardrobe (lucky you), so today's post is about the myriad of other camel options out there. Each piece is 365FR approved; either by way of its classic longevity (the cashmere Gap dolman sweater or the Franco Sarto leather riding boots) or for its of the moment look and friendly price tag (mid-thigh skirt from Express or pom pom beanie for less that $10 from Forever 21).

More Gap...

These looks can be mixed and matched to create everything from a casual brunch ensemble to an office ready outfit for that 3:00 meeting. Whatever your choice may be, I say it is time to go out and get your camel on!

Love, A

Links à la Mode

Once again we are super honored to be part of IFB's weekly Links à la Mode roundup! See below for many a fine word on the latest from the online fashion community.

The Blogging Diaries- Introspects, insights, and inspirations

Edited by: Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista

As bloggers, we often find ourselves looking to other blogs for inspiration. Sometimes we look to our closets, magazines, or in the mirror. This week's roundup fashions some of the most introspective and insightful posts from bloggers who reach across the blogosphere as they look for ways to build upon, contribute to, and pull inspiration for and from the fashion world.

• 365 Fashion Rehab: Lessons from a (Reformed) Shopaholic: A beautiful handbag repaired (for free!). One more reason to buy quality over quantity.
• Boheme Noir: The first ladies of Vogue - a closer look at the most important editors in chief.
• Daisy Dayz: Friend Friday: How to learn from your mistakes and let your blog grow
• Devilishly Pleasurable: Reflecting on the evolution of my blog and tips for better blogging!
• Fish Monkey: The notion of flattering dressing is oppressive and unnecessary. Rather than conforming, why not chose a different shape?

Lust or Must? Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, $22.50

As the temperature slowly drops, so does the moisture in my lips. Winter isn't even here and my lips are so dry! I am basically going naked (as in sans lip gloss) right now because color and cracked lips just don't mix. I am looking for a solution for my lackluster lips and have heard amazing things about this Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. It is pricey but I have tried many other kinds of balms and have not seen positive results.

So, what do you think? Lust or must? (And if you slap me on the wrist for lusting after luxury lip balm please comment below and share your fave lip treatment!)

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com

The 5 W's - Tucker for Target dress

Tucker for Target dress $35

As I mentioned in my first installment of CoRS (Confessions of a Reformed Shopaholic), I was seriously lusting after the Tucker for Target collection that came out in September. Even more so after my trip to NYC for the Independent Fashion Blogger's conference. I was staying with a very dear friend in Brooklyn and the store she manages, Bird carries quite a bit of Tucker, thus my enabling me to check out some of their new designs in person.

Though the Target collection paled in comparison (obvi), I did fall in l-u-v with one item, which I managed to snatch up and which The Mater generously delivered to me on her most recent trip to TO.

In the photo above, I paired it with olive green tights, my old T-strap theater shoes in nude leather, a topknot (sorry you can't see them - this is the only photo we got!) and my soon-to-be Mama-in-Law (but already Mama-in-Heart).

I love this dress and I suspect, I will wear it quit often - providing I can cure myself if my One-Wear-Wonder-itis (if you don't know the maladie to which I refer, click the link to read all about it). It's a long, hard road, people.

Love, P

P.S. Isn't my Mama-in-Law such a fashionista??? Do you see who is on her dress? LOVE!!!!

A's Picks...for a Sunny Day in October

Tanks by Arden B
Boots by Loeffler Randall

After seeing P's pretty picks for "A Sunny Day in October" I couldn't help but want to choose my sunny day outfit, too! I wish P and I were strolling down the streets of San Francisco or Toronto in our October looks, but alas, we live so far apart that all we are left with is our shared love for writing and our fashionable imaginations. (And plenty of Skype sessions, of course!)

As you can see, both P and I have quite different taste yet I think they are totally complimentary. I am obsessed with neutrals, but do like to introduce prints and textures to mix things up, and I tend to dress with a certain classic practicality. P is more eclectic and embraces any kind of multi-colored palette, and rarely (as in basically never) wears the same outfit twice. (Talk about creativity!) We grew up sharing clothes, though, because beyond our individual styles lie tons of must-haves that we both covet from each other. That Opening Ceremony coat she showed yesterday, along with the Michael Kors watch, were amazing and very "A" friendly. And, if I had to guess, I bet she would be loving the grey fedora I posted along with those House of Harlow earrings!

So what do you think? Whose style do you identify most with? Are you an "A" or a "P"?

Love, A

P.S. Click on any image above to find out more info about these fab items!

P's Picks... for a Sunny Day in October

Coats by Opening Ceremony
Boots by Frye

This is what I wore today (in my day-dreams...)

Love, P

Lust or Must? UGG Slippers

Ugg Slippers - $100 through ShopStyle

I know that UGGs have been taking some flack latley, especially about their collab with Jimmy Choo. Someone on our Facebook page even said they'd pick them up only if they were sold at Payless, but wouldn't dream of dropping into the high three figures on them (ouch! But, well said).

However, once the temps begin to dip, all I can think about besides a steaming cup of tea is keeping my tootsies warm. A year in Fashion Rehab had me wearing through not only almost every pair of socks I owned, but my slippers, too. So I am in the market for a new pair. I love these, but feel that $100 may be too much for a pair of slips, no matter how cozy they are. Or maybe not? If they're gonna keep me toasty read: happy all winter long (and these puppies look like they'd last me through at least a few winters), than $100 would be a steal!

Love, P

P.S. If you vote "Lust" on these then I ask a favor of you - could you perhaps suggest a good alternative?

poll by twiigs.com

The Way We Wore - Spaghetti & Meatballs

Ok, so I didn't actually wear spaghetti and meatballs, I wore the outfit below last night to eat spaghetti and meatballs. I had a long overdue wine date planned with my friend MM, which resulted in us drinking some tasty Pino and (very surprisingly) sharing a jumbo plate of spaghetti and meatballs! My apologies for not taking a clearer photo before the sun went down. The reality of having to put my baby to bed while smudging smoky shadow on my lids and trying to get out of the door on time is a near impossible task; let alone planning ahead for a photo op!

Le Outfit: Danielle Stevens black and gold chain earrings (Bluefly, $27), H&M oversized cardigan, Target long and lean tank top, vintage black suede and gold belt, Gap jeggings (so cute, they have zippers and black stretch panels on the side, a recent in-store purchase for $10!), Elizabeth and James suede heels, and my new Mulberry for Target bag*.

*I went to Target on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m, toddler in hand, to snatch one of these hot ticket items. I rarely covet things so much that I need to be the first in line but with this collection I knew the trek would be worth it. I am very happy with the quality and look, it is the perfect bag for running errands or going out at night. I think almost everything is sold out (the only ones left are the mini-crossbody bags which were cute but too small for my needs). I wonder if they will make more?

Love, A

If I Were A Rich Girl... Mara Hoffman Shawl Coat

I found this cozy, cozy, coat-y on ShopStyle (one of our all-time fave websites) and I can tell you, if I had a spare seven-hundy around, I'd pick this baby up just in time for TO's first frost, which (gulp) should be any day now...

My favorite thing about this coat is that the collar flips up coating (no pun intended!) one's neck and lower head - it could almost be a hat - keeping the wearer toasty and looking trés chic all at the same time. Sooo dreamy... (literally and figuratively, since there certainly isn't $700 in my cookie jar at the moment!) Guess I'll have to find other ways to keep warm. Layers, anyone?

Love, P

Lessons from a (Reformed) Shopaholic

A black leather classic handbag. We all have one, right? Or do we? If you don't, you should go out and get one right now. When you do, please make sure that it is made of quality leather and is from a reputable company. May I suggest L.A. based handbag line Junior Drake? I bought a very classic wear-with-anything black leather bag from them a few years ago. I remember stalking the selections, saving for the purchase, and ultimately buying the beauty seen below. I used it all of the time. Naturally, after so much wear (and the weight of all of the goodies I tend to keep in my purse), the strap on the bag stretched out (see "before" photo by clicking on the "read more" below) and I began wearing it less. I turned to some other not as nice black bags that I had lying around my closet.

My "new" bag and wallet!

Prior to Fashion Rehab I wouldn't have even bothered to try and fix the strap (thinking that everything is disposable, and the enticing possibility of shopping for a replacement!) but I decided to contact Junior Drake to see if they could help me out. They said it wasn't a problem. They would replace the strap and it would take about 6-8 weeks. So off my little bag went to their L.A. headquarters and I was left to wait for its return. The repair (which was free, by the way) took longer than expected, so when the bag did finally make its way back to my home there was a handwritten note apologizing for the delay and a beautiful wallet as a thank you gift for my patience. I literally was blown away! Not only did I get my bag back looking oh-so-beautiful; they gave me a fabulous new wallet!

Lust or Must? J. Crew Woolcot Pant

J. Crew Woolcot Pant, $65

Fleece as fashion. Oui ou non? I love the shape of these pants, and can't help but be tempted by their coziness as the nights get cooler. But, I ask you, dear friends, are they too representative of an 80's revival gone wrong? They wouldn't just be worn around the house; I would pair them with slouchy boots, a silky tank and an oversized belted sweater. What about you? How would you wear the Woolcot pant?

Also, as an update to our recent Lust-Have Lookback, I did order the incredibly sassy Boutique 9 Sandal but had to return them because the fit was not right (the arch was too high for me and ankle strap was very loose, an insanely lethal combo!). So sad! Thank you for your votes!

poll by twiigs.com

Love, A

The Way We Wore - Jays vs. the Mariners

A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of being invited to, and ultimately attending, my very first pro baseball game. The lovely and talented CB24 (who has a blog of her own, read it here) was very generous in extending the invite, knowing I had never been. CB24 is a huge baseball fan and an even bigger Blue Jays fan, so I think the prospect of bringing a ball-game rookie must have been enticing. When we walked into the stadium and she saw the awestruck look pass over my face when I saw the field for the first time, live in person, with my mouth fully hanging open and my eyes as big as the Skydome itself, she had to have known she got her money's worth. I was shocked at the emotion that I was filled with, as well, especially since I am more of a hockey girl (Go Leafs Go!). Attending any professional game is an entirely cool experience - I recommend it highly, whether you're a fan or not.

But before we even got there, I had a challenge on my hands; what to wear to the ball park? This is what I came up with and I felt pretty good about it. I was comfortable, warm enough after the sun went down and close enough to see the expressions on the players faces when they came up to bat! Oh, wait, okay that part had nothing to do with my outfit, but still, so cool!

Le Outfit...

Brown boots

Rose colored bag MO851 (handed down to me from The Mater)

Seven jeans (picked up at a sample sale like eight years ago!)

Navy Free People loose-knit sweater

Creamy leather jacket (scored from Anthropologie's sale rack)

Vintage Ray Ban aviators

Love, P

P.S. Special thanks to the exceptionally cute (and helpful) Mr. Darling for taking the snapshots!

Confession of a (Reformed) Shopaholic

I was reading LouLou magazine the other day (Canada's answer to Lucky and the home to our latest interview) and though I was thoroughly enjoying the content that the lovely LouLou editors were providing, I was quite taken aback when I came across this ad for Smart Set - a retailer similar to Express in the US). I tell you, I was shocked. Just totally gobsmacked. This ad seemed to fly in the face of everything we stand for here at 365FR. Everything it took us twelve long months (and, let's be honest, 20-some odd years) to realize is wholly, completely and truly false. And here it was taunting me, like the aroma of a smooth, oak-y highball of scotch might beckon a reformed alcoholic.

I am embarrassed to confess this, but for a split second moment, I found myself ever so subtly nodding in agreement, the kool-aid hitting my nerve receptors shockingly fast and my better judgement entirely overtaken by the giddiness derived from all the lovely things I had been browsing on the preceding pages. Wait a second! I snapped myself out of this trance with a jolt. "This is bullshit. Yes, you can have enough. Yes, you can!", I could hear myself crying out on the inside. "Having enough" is knowing that you have made conscious shopping choices (with or without our help) and that, no matter what, you are worth so very much more than the clothes on your back. And you can have that in endless supply, if you so choose.

So, even though I have my eye on an over sized cardi from Smart Set,

A's Picks - The Lace Report

Lace is soooo lovely. It is very classic and a definite must for this season. Although these pieces were picked with a Northern Cali climate in mind, they are super versatile and can be worn from East to West (think layers, ladies). Starting with the top left, the Forever 21 cardi is only $18 and can be paired with everything from cuffed jeans to a mini-dress. The Alice + Olivia skirt is pricier at $200 but is totally timeless. Wear it with opaque tights, a black jersey top, and black booties for a more casual look, or dress it up with sparkly stilettos for an evening cocktail soiree.

Lust or Must? Plaid Cape

Plaid cape from Zara $129

To cape or not to cape? Too cute or too trendy? Yes to the cape, but no to the plaid? Or, yes please, plaid! Just not on a cape. Ponchos are problematic, though capes can be captivating... Yes? No? No? Yes?

Too many questions for just one little red-haired girl.

Help, please.

poll by twiigs.com

Love, P