A recent email from a 365FR follower and dear friend, B, proposed a most interesting question. She asked: What is the must-have shoe of the season? (And by shoe she meant actual shoe, not boot). Hmm...a conundrum indeed. Lately it seems like the world has become boot obsessed, and that the idea of wearing a shoe (unless it is a ballet flat or a strappy sandal for the summer) seems incredibly foreign. Shoes can be totally sexy and incredibly versatile, and they do not require a team of ten people to help you get them off at night. (I know I am not the only girl out there who owns zipperless knee-high boots. Throw a few cocktails in the mix and you are sleeping in those babies!) Anyway, there are many a beautiful shoe to be had, so without further adieu here is a little "shoe prescription" put together for my lovely pal, B, and anyone else who is looking to "pump up" their wardrobe with some high-class sass!
Wow, you may say, these shoes sure are pricey! Click on the "read more" tab below for a spread of less expensive (but still equally stylish) versions of these designer divas. These six shoe trends (70's platform, studded, Mary Jane wedges, sparkle, leopard and python) will be sure to add drama to any outfit, day or night, but are classic enough to last more than just one season.
November 30, 2010
November 29, 2010
The Way We Wore - Friday Night Dinner
Last week, Mr. Darling and I had the great pleasure of heading to one of our all-time favorite Queen West restaurants for dinner. It was doubly enjoyable because we were meeting dear friend of ours, K, who was in town from L.A. and though K comes to T.O. fairly often, he had never been to this particular joint.
I was also super excited because going out for din meant I had an excuse to take my outfit up a notch (I tend to want to hibernate come winter, so nighttime excursions are few and it's hard to pull off platform studded wedges when you're just going across the street for coffee!)
Le Outfit - My aqua and gold necklace from Mr. Darling, cream silk blouse & red patent skinny belt (a gift and my 1st attempt in the belt department hence last week's Lust or Must) both from Joe Fresh, black J Crew shorts (purchased by both A and I on our amazing post-Fashion Rehab trip to NYC - see the video of all our purchases here), black tights, Jeffery Campbell Tick Wedges, red leather bag from Coach
K loved the food - we had fantastic oysters (a house specialty) from my side of the continent - that would be the East, y'all! - and even an impromptu visit to our table from the owner who was tres entertaining (if not a bit tipsy) and quite educational telling us all about how oysters are farmed. A grand night was had by all indeed! The only down side being that at the end of the evening, we not only bid K good night, but also good bye as he was headed back to Lotus Land the following day. There were hugs all around and I snuggled in to Mr. Darling as we turned and began to walk home, my marvy JC wedges carrying me all the way.
Love, P
P.S. Yes, these are the famous Tick Wedges I wrote about in My New Boyfriend, Jeffery Campbell. The minute they arrived from Solestruck, I put them on and was amazed at how comfortable they are. They make me feel like a total rock star and I have no doubt they were a brilliant purchase!
November 26, 2010
Lust or Must? J Crew Superskinny Glitter Belt
Superskinny Glitter Belt from J Crew $19.50 on sale
Thoughts?
Love, P
November 24, 2010
A's Accessory Picks...for Holiday Travel (Sun & Snow)
Traveling during the holidays (whether it is Christmas or Thanksgiving) can be such a pain. Bringing your favorite book/cashmere blanket/MP3 player/yummy snacks on the plane will make your flight much more enjoyable, but what about all of the frenzy beforehand? I can't pack for you, but I can suggest a few must-have items when it comes to travel no matter what the climate. A hat and a scarf, a roomy handbag, a versatile piece of statement jewelry, and a travel journal. Here are some examples of these pieces for travel to the snow or the sun.
When I pack I generally like to stick with neutral clothing and then accessorize with splashes of color.
November 23, 2010
Subscription Prescription - Follow Up
And it is done! You spoke, you chose, you voted. After writing about my missing issue of Harper's Bazaar in August's Subcription Presrciption, I put it to you, Dear Reader, to choose whether I should renew my monthly dose of HB or branch out and try something new. The choices were between Vogue, W, Elle, In Style and Bazaar. In Style won by a mile! It took the lead in the poll coming in at a whopping 53%! Second in line was Vogue at 20%. Quite the gap, no?
To add a super sweet silver lining, In Style is currently offering a
November 22, 2010
The Fashion Pit - Lanvin for H&M
Lanvin for H&M officially hit the stores this past Saturday, and from what I have heard it literally was a "fashion pit" of chaos. Only a certain amount of people were let in at a time, the amount each person could buy was capped depending on location, and after hours of waiting in line there wasn't a guarantee that you would get in. Even though the collection looks AMAZING, I did not brave the line. Had this been going on last year while we were on our year-long shop-free hiatus I would have been bawling about it for weeks, but instead now that I can shop, I am not. Funny how life works, you always want what you can't have! I do plan on making it to my local H&M in the near future to check out the remnants of Lanvin, but after all of the brouhaha what are the chances of picking up one of the cute leopard print clutches or faux fur coats? Slim to none, I would believe.
I am dying to know which fearless souls out there braved the launch, who bought what, and who sat at home over a steaming hot cup of cocoa dreaming of Lanvin but was never stupid/brave/determined enough to get in that line. Let me know!
Love, A
November 19, 2010
Lust or Must? Rebecca Minkoff Distressed Crossbody Bag
I can't get enough of metallics. I kind of want to dip everything in glitter! Maybe I am just getting excited about the upcoming holidays or perhaps silver really is the new black, either way I am so totally into this metallic studded number by Rebecca Minkoff. It is an incredible deal (marked down from $425), also a great size, and it can go with everything from dresses to denim.
What say you?
Love, A
November 17, 2010
The Quest for the Perfect Lip Stuff
I realize that "stuff" is not the most descriptive word, but in this case I feel like it could not be more accurate to describe my search for the holy grail that is perfect lippy. It started in my teens when I stumbled across a tube of shimmering Bonne Bell lip balm/gloss with the tastiest flavor of my favorite fruit: pears. It was cheekily named "Who Pears?" and even though it has loooong since gone to the makeup counter in the sky where I assume all the fabulous discontinued items go, I have never forgotten it.
Bonne Bell's lip lites (updated for the new millenium - I couldn't even find a photo of my former flame!) $2.99
I have spent many hours, in dozens of cities looking for the lip stuff that will become my go-to, repeat buy of choice and I have come very close a few times. While in Fashion Rehab, I took stock of all the tubes (and yes some pots, I try to be open-minded) in my makeup collection. Unsurprisingly, there were way too many, due in part to the fact that you can't test out drugstore brands. Being safe behind the bars of Fashion Rehab, I began to break down the exact particulars of my fave stuff, but sadly the journey continues.
Lust-Have Lookback: October
It is that time again! The time to tally your votes and reflect upon what we wanted to buy last month and what we actually bought! P started the month by lusting after an adorable plaid cape from Zara and 77% of you declared it a Lust. P evidently felt the same, and decided to pass on this fall trend due to it not fitting into her personal set of LBC (Lifestyle, Budget, Climate) rules. The cold winters in the Northeast would call for a layering over the cape, and chic that is not.
I then went on to post the stylish yet comfy J.Crew Wolcott pant. Only 15% of you declared it a Must, stating that the pant was cute but at $65 I would be better off finding them at a less expensive retailer. I humbly agreed and did not take the J. Crew plunge (nor have I picked up a similar pair from anywhere else).
When P announced her desires for the UGG Slippers she was left wondering if the $100 price tag was worthwhile. A near 50/50 vote (56% voting Lust, 44% Must) didn't make her decision any easier, so after many a morning wandering around with cold feet she knew she had to take action.
November 15, 2010
P's Picks... for a Perfect Day in San Fran
I am thrilled to report that after a long and sardine can-type journey, I landed safe and sound in San Fran this morning and was so happy to be in view of the ocean, under a cloudless sky that I was inspired to re-create my look from this afternoon. The sun was toasty warm and such a nice change from the blustery morning in Toronto (I left at 430 a.m. so it's hard to say just what exactly the weather was doing. "Blustery" may very well be my assumption). The only thing missing from the ensemble above is the Elie Tahari shoes (I am in desperate need of a simple pair of black ballet flats!)
I am so happy to be here in the California sunshine with my BFF - with or without those Elie Tahari beauties!
Love, P
November 12, 2010
Lust or Must? Wilfred Faux Leather Leggings
As you all know, I fell in l-o-v-e with J Crew's leather pants which I wrote about in last week's If I Were a Rich Girl. At $1,350 they were certainly out of my price range, but I may be the only one because when I went back to visit them, they were sold out. That's right, all gone! And I say a hearty kudos to all those savvy fashionistas out there who had the means to scoop them up. Well done!
In the meantime, I was in the dressing room at Aritzia trying on these uber fab super cool faux leather leggings. No they're not quite pants and they don't carry the same heft as I imagine the J Crew jobbies would (they probably weigh less then half a pound), but I found myself feeling somewhat gleeful when I put them on. They're long at the top and the bottom making them trés versatile and comfortable, and I'd be a shameful liar if I didn't tell you that they kind of made me feel like a rock star and not at all like I sausage which (who's kidding who) with skintight faux leather is practically a given.
I decided to sleep on it, but have been dreaming about them ever since. Thoughts?
Love, P
P.S. This post goes out to the lovely Joyce from Endless Nights who, after reading the post on the J Crew leathers asked me to seek out a more wallet friendly pair. Hope you like them as much as me, Lady J!
November 11, 2010
The 5 W's - Ciao Bella Ankle Boots
The decision to buy these boots did not come easily. I already own several pairs of boots but I did not have a flat ankle boot. Every time a new style or trend hits the scene I always ask myself what do I own that is similar to it, and how useful the potential purchase would be in my life. This season I have passed on the fur vest (I already own a cropped fur coat and never wear it), the ultra-high wedge lace-up bootie (see post here), the lady-like dress (a silk pleated number just doesn't suit my lifestyle), but I couldn't bring myself to pass on the flat ankle bootie. They have such a different look than any of my knee-high boots, and I love wearing them with my cuffed boyfriend jeans or with black leggings and a minidress. These are great for day or night, and the price is just right!
I would love to know what great buys you have made for the season and what trends you are passing on. Leave a note below and let me know!
Love, A
November 9, 2010
Confession of a (Reformed) Shopaholic
Forgive me Father, for I have shopped...My confession is to fess up to a poor purchase I made recently.
If I learned anything during the year we went without, I learned how valuable it is to have a solid collection of makeup to get you through your days. Everyone has their own item that is the anchor, if you will, of their kit - the one piece of makeup you would take with you should you ever be stranded on a deserted island (with time to pack). For some it's bronzer, for others it's lipgloss. For me, it's mascara, hands down. I love it the most of all my beautifying tools, and I am chagrined to leave the house without a coat of it on my otherwise strawberry blond (read: invisible) lashes.
Something else that I learned during the year we didn't shop was how to save my pennies (amazing how not spending money can do that for you) and be more conscious of how I spend my hard earned dollars. So when it came time to pick up a new tube of mascara, I forewent (is that a real word?) my first choice, Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils and opted for the more accessible Revlon "Grow Luscious" in Black/Brown. Though I'm not a giant Jessica Biel fan, her lashes do look pretty luscious in all the ads and the emerald green packaging also managed to sway me, though I can't say what the color of the tube has to do with the performance of the product. I'm sure advertising agencies do tests on things like that. All this to say: sometimes it is better to go with the higher end when it comes to beauty products. I'm not an advocate of cleaning out your bank account just to fill up your beauty cabinet, but suffice it to say I was very disappointed with the less expensive brand. There was very little actual product on the wand which, though it looked effective, was anything but. After applying the first "coat", I could barely tell the difference from when I had none on at all. It may work for some, but it did not work for me.
The amazing (and blinged out!) YSL Volume Effet Mascara
Think if this as kind of an "I Wanted...I Bought" but in reverse.
November 8, 2010
A's Picks...for a Manic Monday
Waking up on Monday morning can be a real drag, especially when you can't find anything to wear! How many times have you left the house in an outfit that you don't like just because you are pressed for time? For me, certain wardrobe basics are the key to effortless dressing while still looking like you put tons of effort into your outfit. During the winter a black long sleeve dress, a black pencil skirt, a pair of skinny black pants and a classic pair of (you guessed it) black boots should be in your weekly rotation. Then you can change each look by mixing them with some of your trendier pieces.
On the left: winter wardrobe staples. Center and right: updated pieces to give your Monday a boost!
These drapey sweater vests, bold statement necklaces, and wallet-friendly versions of the latest bag trend (the bucket bag), will ease your manic Monday woes.
November 5, 2010
Lust or Must? Topshop Grosgrain Bow and Sequin Jacket
With the Holidays rapidly approaching (a crazy thought, but it is already November!) I started to think about all of the pretty party things that I would love to add to my wardrobe. Last year P and I were Jonesing for absolutely anything new and glittery while we were on our no-shop hiatus, so needless to say this year our cocktail attire may need some updating. I was originally looking for a sequin blazer but then came across this jacket full of bows and sequins from Topshop and fell in LOVE. It looks very Kate Moss meets Balenciaga, and at $90 the price is totally spot on. Or is it?
Love, A
November 4, 2010
If I Were a Rich Girl... J Crew Leather Pants
Now that winter is finally here (something I really am trying to accept), I am faced with the task of attempting to dress not only stylishly, but for the elements as well. The days are so chilly that I've had to resign myself to the fact that my coat is going to have to go past my waist. Having a cold bum is just not okay. But I wouldn't if I had myself a pair of leather pants and these are my favorites! I love me some J Crew and, yep, you guessed it, if I were a rich girl, I would be throwin' down for these marvy leathers (at $1350 they're almost as expensive as our living room couch!) Cute and warm? That's the best combo a Canadian girl could ever ask for!
It's fun to dream, no?
Love, P
November 1, 2010
I Wanted (Michael Kors Suede Booties)...I Bought (Vintage JK Acid)
Going a whole season without buying a new pair of shoes is like not ordering popcorn when you go to the movies. It just can't be done (or at least not for me anyway!). The thing about being a Fashion Rehab survivor is that I now have an obligation (to myself and to those striving to be more conscious shoppers) to be practical. Practical doesn't have to be boring, it can be stylish and savvy and still be a friend to your bank account. Take these boots for example:
The above Kors boots are $365. For my everyday toddler chasing lifestyle the heel is an impractical 4 inches high and the price is just not suitable for a woman on a budget. I didn't want to buy just anything as a substitute. I say better to go without than to buy a faux suede pair from a cheap retailer that would just crumble beneath my heel. I was so lucky when I stumbled across these vintage J.K. Acid booties from my local consignment boutique (Jaylina's in Mill Valley, CA). Barely worn with a very mommy friendly wedge heel, and in a delightful camel color similar to the Kors ones I was lusting after, I was sold. And at $40 the price was amazing. I took them home, buffed them up, put on a coating of suede protector, and voila! My $365 dream turned into a $40 reality.
I Wanted (Kors Michael Kors)...I Bought (Vintage JK Acid)
The above Kors boots are $365. For my everyday toddler chasing lifestyle the heel is an impractical 4 inches high and the price is just not suitable for a woman on a budget. I didn't want to buy just anything as a substitute. I say better to go without than to buy a faux suede pair from a cheap retailer that would just crumble beneath my heel. I was so lucky when I stumbled across these vintage J.K. Acid booties from my local consignment boutique (Jaylina's in Mill Valley, CA). Barely worn with a very mommy friendly wedge heel, and in a delightful camel color similar to the Kors ones I was lusting after, I was sold. And at $40 the price was amazing. I took them home, buffed them up, put on a coating of suede protector, and voila! My $365 dream turned into a $40 reality.
What about you? Have you had any fab finds recently?
Love, A
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