A Year of Not Buying New….
On October 1st, 2012, I committed to a full year of not buying new.I’m certainly not the first to take on this challenge. The Compact, a group of 7 friends in San Fransisco committed themselves in counteracting “the negative global environmental and socioeconomic impacts of U.S. consumer culture [by] reducing clutter and waste in our homes…[and] simplify our lives”. They went about achieving this goal by not buying anything new, except food, medicine, and toiletries. Angela Barton, writer/editor/blogger joined the movement for a year and decided to continue with it indefinitely. You can read her journey on her website www.myyearwithoutspending.com.
I’ve decided to join the cause and I’ll blog about it here. Of course, I’ll be putting a fashion and style spin on it. I hope to find the time to share new ways I put my own clothes together, and new additions from Goodwill, Value Village and other second hand shops around town. I might give up on buying new, but not on looking cute.
Here are my reasons for taking this challenge on.
1. Consuming doesn’t make me happy, but sometimes I spend money like it will. I’m going to disrupt this pattern in my life and hopefully grow in the process.
2. I am a small local business, and I want to support other small local businesses. It isn’t cheaper, but it is better. It feels good to put my money directly into the hands of people who imagine, design and create a product or service I use.
4. I don’t want to contribute to a global garbage crisis. I strive to be frugal and creative in other areas of my life, but because of my love of fashion, I have over-indulged in new clothing far beyond what I need.
5. Money! I’m on semi-maternity leave and since I own my own business I’m receiving almost no income. I had a blast shopping at Goodwill last week – and I spent $36.00. Tally up another $24.00 in alterations and cleaning costs and you get a grand total of $50.00 for a few pieces that inject life and personality into my closet. And hey, they’ve already proven they stand the test of time by making their way to the thrift shop. I also feel good knowing that I supported a local tailor who runs her own business, and the Goodwill corporation that works to support and employ people with disabilities. It feels a lot better than cramming 4 paper tote bags into the recycling bin after a shopping spree at the mall.
The rules:
1. I will not purchase anything new for myself or my family in the way of clothing or housewares until October 1st 2013 with the exception of consumables. For clothing this includes underwear, undershirts, tights and socks. These items wear out quickly and are difficult to find second hand. Also, I just can’t get my head around wearing another person’s underwear.
2. I will allow myself to purchase “new” clothing made from recycled material that is locally designed and crafted. Putting money into the local and handmade economy feels good!
That’s it. I hope you’ll follow my journey and let me know what you think!
07.8.11ROCK a new kind of Stampede wear….
I am grateful to all of the people who let me in their homes, rifle through their closets, and tell them what to toss. That is a special kind of trust to give a stranger! In some ways we define ourselves by what is in our closets, and what we wear – so it means a lot that people bestow that kind of trust on me. Our clothing holds memories, as well as hopes and wishes for the future (i.e. those pants that you think you might squeeze into in 10 pounds….) One thing that EVERY client has is a great selection of western wear. The variety is astonishing to me, and it is always the case that all items in the “Stampede section” are only worn during Stampede. I never try to remove these clothes, that would be down-right un-Calgarian, I simply leave them in their own section, knowing that they will grace the Stampede breakfasts and the midway in full glory every year until death do they part from their owners.But wait… what if there was another way?
There is! You can use the clothes that you wear in regular life during Stampede and look fashionable, be comfortable (western wear rarely fits well….), and still rock the Stampede spirit! Many people who work downtown are given the option to dress western instead of business casual (not that there is much difference in Calgary) but either run out of options in two days or wear clothing that should have found its way to the dumpster many years ago.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress western using my regular clothes in different combinations. I LOVE to mix and match!
The Peasant Blouse: Most women have one of these around, and if you don’t you might want to pick one up. This is an easy, inexpensive and versatile wardrobe basic. I wear mine as a swim suit cover up too, and with jeans and sweaters all year. As long as the proportions are correct, any figure can rock it and – BONUS – it works great for Stampede. Go with the classic blue denim jeans on the bottom, or pair it with a denim skirt. The key is to accessorize with the right pieces. I put mine with a brown leather belt, and I mixed patterns (Yippee!) and threw on a polka dot scarf and called it a rodeo. I added some silver “Mexican” jewelery, and a saddle bag for extra punch. More accessories = more kitch, and kitch is key to a good western outfit. Go BIG or go home!
The Flowy Sundress: The key to rocking a sun dress for Stampede is to wear it with boots. You don’t need cowboy boots (though if you have them whip ‘em out!). You can wear a shorter slouchy boot like I am here, or you can wear your riding boots from fall and winter. You’ll have toasty feet, but you’ll still be cool cause your dress is breezy. Throw on a rustic looking belt and you’re away to the barrel races. Amp it up another notch with a denim jacket (another year-round wardrobe staple!). Easy as apple pie, and twice as sweet.
The Paisley Scarf: Paisley is a great classic pattern for a scarf, and though it has a touch of western personality, it can still be worn year round without being mistaken for a costume. Find one at a Goodwill store if you don’t have one, and look for one with more than two colours in it to avoid being too rockabilly (unless that’s your thing….). I’ve paired mine with a white tank blouse and navy skirt, but you can go with a T-shirt and jeans too for an even more laid back look. I’ll wear this scarf all winter long too – so I know that the $4.99 I spent on it will be worth it!
When scouring your closet for pieces to mix and match, look for muted colour palettes with a vintage feeling. I prefer a more subtle tone for western wear, instead of a glitzy sparkly look. Think 90′s, comfy, subdued. Mix your leathers and suedes, try out classic patterns like polka dots and paisley, and find new uses for old clothes. It’s all about how you put it together. Share your own Stampede creations with me on Facebook – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy Stampede Calgary!
06.21.11Fashion Journeys – where does yours start?
As I bring new levels of transparency to my website in terms of my own life and my own journey in growing my business, I thought it would be fitting to share more of my fashion journey with you. My love of fashion certainly didn’t mean that I always had great fashion – quite the opposite! I was a chameleon, I took risks that didn’t work out, I dressed the trends for each decade – making my look back through the pages of my photo albums a funny one. Also, for most of my youth, like many women who are insecure about their appearance, I used fashion as costume – and a way to hide. The benefit of all of those fashion mistakes is that I learned by trial and error what works and what doesn’t. And, over the years, I’ve come to believe that I am beautiful, conventionally and unconventionally, and that I deserve to get positive attention from people because of that. My fashion choices now reflect my inner confidence – but it hasn’t come without hard work and some funny mistakes!
I can trace my conscious fashion journey back to the 5th grade. The outfit for this portrait was a very memorable one for me. This sweater belonged to my big sis, and I probably waited until she was gone to school and stole it from her drawer, then raced home and replaced it before she noticed! I frequently did this, and often got caught. It totally drove her crazy, and it was disrespectful – but I couldn’t help myself! I loved clothing so much, and I simply didn’t have enough to work with….I’m sorry sis! The fuscia tee shirt was a favorite as well because of the texture of the fabric. It was super soft and had just the perfect neckline (so I thought). You can’t see them, but I am wearing turquoise leggings with fuscia slouch socks and rainbow keds. This was my favorite outfit – and I still remember feeling awesome when I wore it! I’m holding on to that….
By the time I got to 7th grade, I’d had numerous bad short-hair cuts, and was growing out my hair. In this photo I am wearing a black mock-neck unitard, floral vest and matching palazzo pants (yes, the exact same pattern). I LOVED this outfit! I thought I looked so grown up and sophisticated. My mother had a dress in the same fabric…. Hey, I was 12 – cut me some slack! I actually spent most of junior high terrified about my body (oh, you too? What a surprise!) so I dressed like a boy most of the time. Throughout junior high I experimented a little, but mostly stuck to tee shirts and pants. I distinctly remember my favorite outfit from 9th grade being khaki pants and a short-sleeved denim shirt from The Gap that I wore with mary jane shoes. I actually showed up to the grad celebration in that outfit only to discover that two other girls from my class had the same bright idea. Sigh.
The final portrait I’ve included is my 12th grade picture. By this time, I’d already shaved my head once, done some serious eye-brow plucking, had numerous facial piercings, and taken up smoking. I thought I was pretty bad-ass. This outfit was another big-sis borrow, and another favorite. I loved the turtle-neck with short hair look, and still do – its so retro! I’m wearing Levi’s 501s on the bottom (if you never had a pair you totally missed out) that I had worn out in all the right places, and platform slip-on clogs. I probably had 12 rings on my fingers, besides the ones in my face. Other memorable grade 12 outfits include, my grandmother’s blue and white polka-dotted dress that I wore with cherry-coloured doc martins and an orange scarf that I bought at fringe fest in Edmonton, an off-the-shoulder blue and grey striped over sized cropped sweater that I wore with grey wide-leg knitted pants and the afformentioned red slip on clogs, and brown cigarette pants worn with a black cardigan and doc martins. It was a good fashion year – I would seriously consider variations on most of those outfits now! The difference is all in the accessories, and updating the look to meet modern fashion requirements.
At a certain point while running HouseLife, I realized that some people remember the food from times in their lives, others remember pop-culture that they enjoyed such as movies and music, and others seem to remember endless details about social events and who was dating who. I noticed that I always remember what I was wearing at certain points in time, down to the accessories and shoes that I paired with each outfit, and I remember fondly certain of my favorite outfits and how they made me feel. I remember my first big purchases, the first time I bought a pair of high heels, digging through piles of junk in friend’s apartments, and exactly what I packed to go to camp. So when I say that clothing is my passion – I mean it! It comes naturally to me to notice the details that count when it comes to style. I watch without thinking when I see someone who looks great, and file the information away for later.
I’ve had fun looking up old pictures, and I have even more to share with you! So, along with my articles about fashion trends and how to wear them, I’m going to include my own attempts at wearing the trends, those that work and those that don’t. You can look forward to pictures of me trying things out, past and present, bemoaning my poorer choices and celebrating my triumphs. I hope that it will help you realize that even people who look put together all the time have challenges in the mall, deal with poor body image, struggle creating outfits, and doubt their fashion choices. Even the most stylish don’t always find it easy to dress in a way that truly reflects who they are – but if life is a journey, then so is personal fashion – and I can’t wait to keep on discovering mine.
04.16.11Florals!
I don’t get to travel around from Milan to New York to Montreal to visit the runways and be the first to report back to my loyal readers about the trends for next season. But, I like you, can look at those people’s reports and then distill them for you to read. My skill has always been that I glean from other people’s observations what the trends of the season are, and I know how to put them together in a way that makes sense in Calgary. Fashion isn’t just about what they wear in Paris or L.A., it is about building a wardrobe that makes sense where you are. I’m all about looking around the world for inspiration, but if I can’t make it make sense in my life, or my client’s life, I have no use for it!So, that being said, this season’s runways are awash with florals! And, unlike some other trends for this season (like white on white on white, or super short shorts, for example) florals are extremely wearable for everyone. Many of my clients have given me a doubtful look when I tell them I’ll be looking for florals for their wardrobe. Some have even told me flat out that they will not, under any circumstances, be wearing them, so don’t even bother! And somehow, each and every one of them has ended up with at least one piece with a floral pattern…
The reason is that no matter what your personality, style or previous experience with florals – there really is a pattern for everyone. Floral patterns range from subdued in colour palate and/or pattern, to big, bright, bold and splashy, and everything in between. Right now, you can find everything from a floral bracelet for a dash of flowered charm, to a big bold neon begonia printed skirt. Many women find that a water colour print in Van Gogh colours works for them, while others prefer something vintage looking in bright colours. My job as a stylist is to help people find the one that works for them, and that makes them shine. Usually this only takes me a couple tries, and I always encourage (very strongly) people to try things on. You won’t know how a piece of clothing makes you feel until you put it on your body. Sometimes a pattern can be the least important thing about a piece of clothing if the shape and fit of it make you look and feel hot! You’ll start to really love that pattern, trust me!
Why I like Florals…
1. They are great for people who tote around little kids because an all over pattern hides stains from sticky fingers, and helps disguise any lumps or bumps that you want to keep under wraps…
This season, the mall stores are full of floral dresses and skirts. I especially love dresses because they make you look so put together, but they are only one piece of clothing! Hooray! It doesn’t get much easier than a dress when it comes to getting dressed for warm weather. I love this pink number at Banana Republic for its floaty breeziness. There are also a couple of floral maxis at H&M, and some super sweet little numbers at Tommy Hilfiger. If you want to spend a bit more, BCBG Max Azria has several beautiful choices, and so does The Bay. If you really want to be trendy, find a 50’s full skirted dress in a floral pattern .
2. You can dig upto your elbows, or you can tip toe into the flower garden.
A full floral dress might be too much for you. Perhaps the easiest way to try out a floral if you are hesitant is with a scarf. Right now at Old Navy, you can find a beautiful bouquet of choices for $14.99 that will not only add a dash of floral to your outfit, but really help carry your wardrobe from now through summer. Throw it on with your winter coat now for a dash of spring time, and tie it loosely over a cotton maxi dress for an evening BBQ in the heat of summer. You’ll be on trend, on budget and in style!
3. Florals can be mixed with other patterns to great ends, and really add personality to your style.
I particularly love pairing floral prints with stripes OR animal prints. The thing to be aware of if you want to try this out is to pick different sizes of patterns (i.e. tiny flowers and big stripes or vice versa) for each clothing item, while keeping the colour palate complimentary. Try wearing a striped sweater with a floral scarf, or a leopard print scarf with a floral skirt. WARNING: this is a risk! Don’t expect to get it right the first time. That being said, fashion is a fun and harmless way to try things out and be adventurous. Have fun with it!
03.14.11Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show
Purchase Tickets
Ticket Types:
NOTE: Both Tickets WILL be sold May 27th and at the door (pay in cash or via paypal on site)! However, because of the deadline to place the catering order the $55 day pass will NOT include access to the luncheon. Thank you!
Social Media Forum, Fashion Show & Exhibition ($55) – This ticket includes a pass to everything you see on our Itinerary (below) including the Social Media Presentation, Catered Networking Luncheon, and Fashion Show & Exhibition. You can use your ticket the evening of the 28th to come back for live music and dancing!
Fashion Show & Exhibition ($20) – This ticket includes everything from 2pm on! A pass to the Small Business Exhibition and Market and a Fashion Show courtesy of HouseLife. Don’t forget, you can use your ticket to come back the evening of the 28th for live music and dancing!
Itinerary
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Preparations & Refreshments
The hour and a half leading up to the official kick-off of Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show are reserved exclusively for our business vendors. This is a valuable opportunity to network with other small-business owners and local, innovative organizations. It is also a chance for all vendors to set up their displays, arrange product for visitors, and organize promotional material. During this time, complimentary coffee/tea and pastries will be provided to all business vendors, courtesy of Waves Coffee.
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Kelly Martin: Social Media Presentation
Kelly Martin, CEO and Founder of My Social Media Bridge, will be delivering a one-hour comprehensive presentation addressing the usage of social media for promoting businesses as well as for individuals. Kelly has been helping businesses with their marketing strategies for over ten years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to using social media and capitalizing on an online presence. The three major topics that will be addressed in Kelly’s presentation are:
• Facebook: the advantages and disadvantages of profiles, business pages, and group pages; how to set up various pages within Facebook; how to use Facebook effectively
• Twitter: how to set up an account; building followers; constructing an effective tweet; the purpose behind tweeting; how to tweet for your business
• LinkedIn: how to set up a profile; the advantages of joining LinkedIn; how LinkedIn offers a different aspect to social media usage; how to use LinkedIn effectively
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Social Media Q&A Panel
Following Kelly Martin’s presentation on social media, an interactive question and answer period pertaining to promoting businesses online, specifically through social media, will be held. A panel consisting of experts in marketing, promotion, and branding will be present to answer questions from everyone attending the event. This is a valuable opportunity to clarify any information presented in Kelly’s talk, as well as draw on the unique expertise areas of our guest panel.
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Catered Networking Lunch
A catered lunch will be provided for all business vendors as well as event attendees. While enjoying locally-prepared delicious food, everyone attending Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum and Fashion Show will have the unique opportunity to network in an environment of like-minded businesses and individuals. Take the time to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, educate yourself on new businesses in Calgary, and promote what you have to offer to the world! Beer and wine will be available for purchase from this point on.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Small Business Exhibition & Market
The afternoon exhibition and market creates a prime opportunity for business exposure, marketing, and networking. Visitors from the public will be exposed to a variety of small businesses, new and upcoming ventures, and entrepreneurs representing a wide range of products and services. Small business owners who have set up display tables will have the time to explain their business, meet with potential new clients, sell products, and take orders. In addition to the trade show and market, visitors and vendors will have the opportunity to purchase wine and beer, and be provided with complimentary snacks to fuel their conversations!
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
HouseLife Presents: Fashion Show
Specifically for this event, HouseLife Owner & Stylist Meagan Kelln has created a fashion show to demonstrate how to maximize the positive image you project, regardless of your business industry. The fashion show is designed to help you learn how to dress in order to give others the best possible impression of you, your skills, and your business. From creative artists to corporate boardroom representatives, Meagan has put together an impressive lineup of current outfits to work for any image and any budget, male or female.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Break
During this time, visitors and vendors are invited to take a break from the event to stretch, eat dinner, and collect their thoughts – it’s been a very full day up until this point! Vendors are also encouraged to take advantage of this time to dismantle their display tables and pack up their products. Although there will be additional time for cleaning and packing up marketing materials at the end of the evening, this is the best time to do so. Remember to keep at least a few business cards on hand for networking into the night, though!
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Live Music & Dance
The final phase of the evening is a showcase of local talent – a fantastic lineup of musical artists and bands will be providing the soundtrack to a night of dancing and fun! This is the last chance to mingle with the people you’ve met throughout the day, and kick back and appreciate some of the extremely talented musicians we have here in Calgary. All sound and lights for the dance have been provided by Calgary Sound Rentals. At 10pm, we’ll wrap up Marketing Yourself: Social Media Forum & Fashion Show and go our separate ways, armed with a wealth of new knowledge, business contacts, and ideas for the future!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Please contact us via email or phone for more detail – we would love to work with your business to find somewhere within these packages that will fit with your business vision and budget.
Platinum Level ($1000+)
Our Platinum Level sponsors receive the most benefits, marketing and exposure of their business. These organizations are also given priority as feature sponsors for future events hosted by HouseLife and/or Calgary Sound Rentals. As a Platinum Level sponsor, you will receive:
* Placement of a banner that you provide across the main stage – 15 feet of prime space
* A full-length feature blog post promoting your business on both the HouseLife and Calgary Sound Rentals websites
* Business posting on HouseLife’s “My Community” webpage for 6 months
* Feature business promotional interview on the Calgary Sound Rentals Weekly “Behind the Scene” Podcast
* Your business’ full-color logo on all event posters and signage
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
* Detailed feature mentions on the P.A. during the event
Gold Level ($500 – $999)
Our Gold Level sponsors receive significant exposure both on the event day as well as online both before and after the event. These organizations also get early notification of sponsorship opportunities for future events hosted by HouseLife and/or Calgary Sound Rentals. As a Gold Level sponsor, you will receive:
* Business posting on HouseLife’s “My Community” webpage for 3 months
* Feature business promotional interview on the Calgary Sound Rentals Weekly “Behind the Scene” Podcast
* Your business’ full-color logo on all event posters and signage
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
* Multiple mentions on the P.A. during the event
Silver Level ($250 – $499)
Our Silver Level sponsors have the opportunity to contribute monetary funds or make their sponsorship in-kind through the donation of a door prize or multiple door prizes (dependent on estimated value of goods and/or services), or through tote bag items (samples, gifts, coupons, and/or gift certificates) that total a minimum of $250 in value. Silver Level sponsors will also receive exposure in the following ways:
* Your business’ logo on all signage at the event
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
* Multiple mentions on the P.A. during the event
Bronze Level ($50 – $249)
Bronze Level sponsors have the opportunity to contribute monetary funds or make their sponsorship in-kind through the donation of a door prize or multiple door prizes (dependent on estimated value of goods and/or services), or through tote bag items (samples, gifts, coupons, and/or gift certificates) that total a minimum of $50 in value. Through event marketing, Bronze Level sponsors receive invaluable exposure for their business. Bronze Level sponsors receive:
* Inclusion of promotional material (catalogues, business cards, and/or flyers) in tote bags given the first 25 to purchase tickets, and/or mentions of your business and product on the P.A. while distributing your door prize
* Your business’ profile (30 word maximum), contact information, and logo (B&W) in the event program, given to all event attendees
Spring Fashion Trends – Women and Men
At long last, the weather has started to turn for the better! I wanted to prance around in bare legs today but decided it was still a little on the cold side of spring. Also, shaving has fallen by the wayside to add a layer of warmth beneath my jeans….But weather and personal grooming aside, spring has definitely sprung in the malls and boutiques of Calgary! If you need a little pick me up, there is no time like the present to head out shopping for some spring treasures. In anticipation of a radio show I’m co-hosting this Saturday on cjsw, called The Double Entendre Preserves with Ching Li, I thought I’d put together a little post on the trends for spring. I’m branching out for the first time in this blog and including men’s fashion! So if you know a dude who likes fashion, or if you know one who could use a little help in that department, point him my way….For me, spring has always been about a return to the lightness of being. We put away the wools and the corduroys and we pull out the cotton and the seersucker. I love the transition from thick and heavy to light and breezy. Sadly, in this city, I have to wait until June for spring weather! But no worries my fashion loving friends! A little clever layering and you can pull off the easy lightness of spring and still have the warmth you need for actual Calgary temperatures. The key to looking like spring while dressing for winter is the type of layers that you choose. Stay away from heavy gauge woolens, and go for thinner pieces in fresh spring colours. If you wear a long-sleeve floral cotton blouse with a long-sleeve white cotton cardigan you’ll still be warm enough, and you’ll be a breath of fresh springtime air! Try switching out your wooley scarves for voluminous whimsical-patterned cotton ones (tons of cute inexpensive floral and polka dotted options at Old Navy right now), and think about freshening your winter look with some of the tribal inspired jewelry everywhere this season in bright cheerful hues, bold brassy metals, and chunky earthy wood (check out Aldo Accessories for some great options!) As always, I have done my duty and checked out the malls and carefully recorded where you can find springs hottest trends – so read on to find out where you can pick up what you need to look and feel great this season!
My favorite trends for spring have to be the decades that have been drawn on for inspiration. I’m a personal fan of most things vintage, and I love it when a particular decade gets the spotlight shone on it in a fun new way. This spring, the 50’s and the 70’s are getting another turn. The “Mad Men” silhouette of the 50’s is everywhere – and I love it! I feel so feminine and polished in a full skirt and I’m just tickled pink that it is on trend right now! The one I bought for myself is from Talbots, and it is in a gorgeous selvage denim with big box pleats and longer hem that hits just below my knee. Careful about a longer hem if you are petite, or have thicker ankles that the hem doesn’t hit in an unflattering way and make your legs look too short. Of course, you can often alleviate this issue with a great pair of heels…You can also find some fun flirty options in bright trendy hues at H&M this season for a super reasonable price. Many figures really shine in this kind of cut because it highlights an hourglass figure while de-emphasizing the tummy (Mommies unite!). The fuller skirt is also a great option if you have a wider hip because the longer line and volume at the bottom bring the eye down and away from the hips. It usually most flattering to wear clothing that shows off the smallest part of your torso, which for many women is the natural waist – usually slightly above the belly button. There are also many women who carry more weight around their middles, and for them it would be more beneficial to bring the emphasis up to just below the bust with an Empire seam. Things to be aware of with an Empire seam are: a thick enough band, not too much volume above or below the band, and a long enough hemline. If any of these go wrong, the effect can be very juvenile and/or figure widening which is generally not what we are going for!
The 70’s haven’t had a special spotlight on them in awhile so I’m finding it particularly exciting that they are getting another go around. My favorite 70’s trend for spring is the trouser jean with a higher waist and a flared leg, paired with my favorite spring and summer staple – the peasant blouse! This look is not only super polished, but amazingly comfy. It’s also especially easy to carry this look from now through to summer simply by switching the outer layer and the footwear. For example, you could pair this awesome bohemian blouse from Piper Lime (also find a great option at Jacob in one of the seasons hottest colours – cinnamon) with this high waisted trouser jean from The Gap, cover up with a long boyfriend cardi like this one from Old Navyand throw on a pair of boots underneath NOW, and LATER you can wear the jeans and blouse with only a chunky necklace and a pair of espadrille wedges (I’m loving all the platform sandals for spring on Piper Lime. Done and done! This kind of “bohemian” blouse is really versatile if you get it in a silky fabric because it is dressy enough for work or evening, and the pleating and peasant style of it make it casual enough for a coffee date or even the mall. I love it when I find a piece like that! If you want to pull off this look, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to make it work. First, for a flared jean to look good (I’ve mentioned this before) make sure the knee area isn’t skin tight. A little bit of room around the knee makes the hip appear smaller, while no room makes it appear larger. If you have a very athletic figure without a lot of curves, you can go a bit tighter because it will create more of a hip for you. As always with pants (unless they’re cropped of course) make sure the hem is right! Decide if you are more likely to wear heels or flats and hem accordingly. For a peasant blouse to work, you must be sure that the pleating ends at the right place on your bust. If you have a smaller chest, you probably won’t have an issue, but if you are larger in the chest look for a lower cut, and possibly a tie around the back to show that your waist is smaller than your bust (you can always use a separate belt to highlight the waist as well – just make sure that it isn’t too short after you belt it). Be sure that the shirt hem hits mid-hip, just above the widest part of your hip, or go long and cover the rear completely.
Men’s fashion this spring is all about the prepster. Think Mad Men plus Clinton Kelly meets Steve Irkle. Pants are short, hitting at the ankle. Jackets and cardigans are double breasted, prints are tiny ginghams and checks, and suspenders and woven belts are the accessories. Check out this look from Club Monaco. Clean cut. Narrow fitting. Pressed and combed. Mmmmm. I love it! There will always be a little part of me that appreciates the grungy slacker look from the 90’s, but now that we’ve left that decade way behind and its cool to care again – I just love a man who tucks in his shirt and parts his hair. But don’t fret if ice cream parlour and prep squad isn’t for you! Military is still here and you can find a lot of options in army drab and denim with epaulets and square pleated pockets to fulfill your grungy Nirvana boyhood fantasies. Pair these shirts with cozy grey cardigans and rolled up jeans, or mix them with a regular boot cut or easy cut pair of slacks. Men’s fashion is about comfort (you lucky guys you!) so go with what feels good. If you do want to be on trend, find a shirt you would normally wear but in a tiny checker or chambray and you’ll be ahead of the curve. I would like to say, though, that if you have been wearing a wide leg pant for the last ten years, you might be surprised how slimming a narrower leg can be. A lot of men (and women) labour under the assumption that the baggier the clothes, the slimmer they’ll appear – and this is not the case! You want your clothes to be cut closely to the body, but not be skin tight. Try on a pair of slimmer pants and ask the sales clerk’s opinion, I bet she’ll tell you they look great. Luckily, the slim cut pant and suit are modern and in style so all your favorite shops are likely to have a skinnier option for you. The Gapand Banana Republic are great for men’s (and women’s) jeans.
09.13.10Fall Fashion: minimalism to ooh la la!
I love summer as much as the next heat-craving Calgarian, but the fall’s chillier weather has it’s own unique charms. I love watching the leaves change colour, the subtle changes in the light as the sun lowers in the sky, and, of course, all the fall clothing. I’m not afraid to admit it, I’m a sweater addict. Sweaters keep you warm without constraining you in any way; even the wind isn’t a match against proper layering. After checking out some of the looks featured at your local mall and browsing through the online shops, I want to take you through a couple of my favorite trends this season, and show you how you can make them your own.The Trends
This fall, many fashion gurus are touting the return to minimalism , which is like manna from heaven for the busy mom. Pulling off a minimalist look with a sweater requires consideration for colour and details, or rather the lack of both. The safest choice is to go with neutral colours like taupe, black, grey and oatmeal. However, it’s still possible to create a minimalist look that grabs people’s attention. I picked up a sweater jacket that could only be described at chartreuse on acid. The lines were all straight, it had zippers instead of buttons, and, outside a jacket collar, it had no real tailoring in the body making it quite boxy. These decidedly out-of-the-ordinary details on a sweater helped create a minimal look. If you want to go minimal with your fall sweaters, think 2001: A Space Oddessy. Think sixties. Think space age. Think androgeny. Mostly, revel in the clean lines, beautiful fabrics and the sheer simplicity and serenity of minimalist fashion. Enjoy this ladies! You never know when “over-the-top†will be back.
Of course, if you’re into a fluttery feminine style, there are plenty of choices for you too this season! If you’re one who enjoys feeling a little luxurious when you get dressed, you can find all the rich details to create your look this fall. For one, the ruffle is holding on strong, on the fronts of cardigans, the necklines of blouses and even on scarves as detailing. Banana Republic has a super cute ruffle front cardigan in several shades. ThoughI wouldn’t recommend this sweater for anyone with a larger bust — it might amplify your natural gifts more than you’d like. Also, jewel tones are having a bit of a renaissance, and if you pair these deep luscious colours with luxurious wools like mohair or cashmere, you’re sure to create a look that screams “Romance,†for those looking, of course. If you’re still into florals and plaids on your tunics and blouses, you’re not alone. These eye-catching patterns are everywhere right now. Pair them with any of the multitudes of cardigans available this season for a look that’s one part bohemian and one part prepster. Look for stripes (HUGE this fall), ruffles, jewel tones, draping and floating. It’s a look that will have people thinking you’re a sexy prep-school drop out hiding out from her parents in France, ooh la la!
Find it at the Mall
I particularly love the sweaters at The Gap this season for the same reasons I always love the Gap, every season, year after year: affordable, good quality, understated but still on trend, and in sizes that fit almost everyone. I do find that Gap is less successful at fitting the very petite and those larger than a size sixteen – but for everyone else it’s a sure fire hit. Gap always has a great selection of cardigans every season (and if you wait a month or so, they will most definitely go on sale) which should be considered wardrobe necessitties. I believe all women need at least two light weight cardigans to throw over t-shirts, blouses, dresses – anything! One in black or another suitable neutral and one in a bright colour that makes her feel shiny and new. My bright colour this season is a vibrant orange-red, oh, and that electric chartreuse I mentioned earlier…
If you like to stand out and minimalism isn’t your thang, I love H&M right now. They have a great selection of striped, ruffled, bejeweled, gathered and generally fun and flirty sweaters – at an amazing price point.
I was pleasantly surprised when I took a recent gander in Esprit. Normally, I’m not overly impressed with the basics they stock, but they have a great selection of knit-wear this season. Check out the beaded shoulders, draped cardigans and fabulous stripes they have. No matter what your style, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy and it won’t break the bank.
Longest blog post ever! What can I say, I LOVE a good sweater. That’s all, have fun shopping women!
As always, I’ve carefully selected a few pretty things from polyvore. Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune on your wardrobe, as long as you spend smart.
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Jewelry: your friendly summer accessory
My personal fashion philosophy is that you don’t need a big wardrobe, you just need to get clever about mixing and matching. The best way to do this is to make sure that you have a set of basics that you can pump up with extra bits. Layers are an easy way to spice up an outfit in the fall, winter and spring, but on the hottest summer days, who really wants to pile on a scarf and sweater? Not me! For the fashionably inclined, this leaves that basic little black dress sadly lacking in personality and flare. What to do? Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry!I don’t believe in spending a fortune on jewelry (I don’t believe in spending a fortune on anything, actually) because you don’t have to! The cheaper varieties last as long as you need them too. I get bored of most accessories after a year or two, with the exception of a few pieces, so I like to purchase some inexpensive things each season to keep it interesting. Many clothing retailers have started carrying jewelry over the last few years, and besides being relatively cost-effective, the jewelry that you’ll find in the store goes with that season’s selection of clothing in terms of colour and style – which totally simplifies your life, and simple is always good.
I often like to shop in the mall for several other reasons, one of the main ones being time! I just love that I can find most things I need under one roof so I can be really efficient – which is a necessity for me. Luckily, this seasons bejeweled accessories can be found in many stores at your local mall. For some great deals on summer jewelry be sure to check out The Bay, The Gap, Zellers (yes, Zellers) and H&M. Don’t be afraid of going into a store that you don’t normally shop in. Even though the clothing might not be your taste, often the accessories are more varied in style. For example, Alfred Sung does a line of fashion and jewelry for Zellers that is completely affordable and totally cute. Department stores are wising up about fashion these days and realizing that there is a market for inexpensive designer clothing, so you can find some really great stuff at discount stores. While I’m on the subject, check out Joe Fresh Style at Superstore too. If you don’t already know about it, you’re going to love it! They have the best kid’s clothes too.
Right now I’m also loving Reitmans selection of necklaces and cocktail rings because of the wide selection of bold blue and silver pieces. Turquoise is one of my favorite stones, partly because the fake stuff looks almost as nice as the real thing. I often pair a neutral outfit, like a navy shift dress, with a turquoise bracelet and earrings. It makes everything pop, and you can switch out the accessories for something more neutral if you want to another day. You don’t have to match your jewelry perfectly or wear items together that come in a set. Try to think in terms of a colour palate or feeling that you want to create and mix and match with other pieces. The result will be much more fashion forward, and more individual, than if you wear all the same set of jewelry.
Another great store for easy casual jewelry is Aldo Accessories. IÂ love this little Annex to Aldo Shoes mainly because of the HUGE selection. Most things under $20 make it easy to stock up on pieces that make your outfit pop. I particularly love the bracelets they have in right stock now. You can find some great knock-off charm bracelets in various plated metals, stacked wooden bangles, beaded strands in beachy colours, and tough looking leather with studs and rivets. Can’t decide what your style is? Get one of each! This season multi-stranded and miss-matched is the way to go. The idea is that you look like you didn’t try very hard. Ha! We all know being stylish isn’t as easy as it looks! One piece of advice with the cheap jewelry is to avoid wearing plated metal bracelets in the heat. Unless you want green wrists and peeling bracelets that is! When hitting the wading pool or walking around in the heat, stick to wood, plastic or solid gold. Aldo has a great selection of earrings right now too. Be it dangly or stud, make sure to top off your outfit with earrings. Studs are really in style right now, so no worries all you moms with small babes! You don’t have to subject your ear lobes to the grabbing hands of an infant.
Here is where I got some of my inspiration. Remember, you can always find knock-offs at the mall. As always, have fun, be creative and enjoy your summer with some bling!
Summer Jewelry by Houselife featuring Juicy Couture jewelry
$128Â -Â zappos.com
More Juicy Couture bracelets »
$565Â -Â net-a-porter.com
More Roberto Cavalli earrings »
$1,290Â -Â net-a-porter.com
More Oscar de la Renta necklaces »
$320Â -Â alexandchloe.com
More Alex and Chloe rings »
$140Â -Â blueandcream.com
More Ray-Ban sunglasses »
| Posted in Fashion, accessories, summer | 2 Comments »
Summer dresses
Ah! Summer feels like it is just around the corner. I got a little bit of color today, just sitting in the sun and watching the kids play in the park. Summer brings a freedom for moms and kids that gets lost in winter time, and I just loved staying out the whole day, eating fruit and chips and cheese strings instead of sitting down for a proper meal. Throwing routine out the window for a day.Waxing poetical aside, I also love the new revival of summer fashion! Kids and moms out in full bloom.
My one piece of advice for summer fashion is don’t be afraid of color! I generally find myself drawn to the oatmeals, greys and other comfy neutrals of fall and winter. But come summer, I shed the cozy knits and soft colors for the vibrant prints and shades of summer flowers. I might be a bit premature in announcing the arrival of summer in Calgary, but the fashion shows have already moved on to fall so I think I’m allowed to jump ahead a bit.
This summer, as the recession shows signs of ending, hemlines are rising! The hems of skirts this season, though not as mini as they could be, have risen from last year and you’ll see finger tip skimming skirts parading in the parks and on the avenues of Calgary’s hippest districts. Don’t fear ladies of less-than-perfect legs (um, the majority!) leggings are also still in style. My recommendation is to pick up a couple of super light full length leggings in grey and black to wear under a shorter dress. Though some stores are still selling the cropped legging, I think that full length is more current and more grown-up. Don’t worry if the leggings don’t “match†the colors in the dress, its more fashion forward to stick a neutral under a printed dress than to match one shade in the print.
If short dresses with or without leggings aren’t your thing, the maxi dress (ankle skimming length) is still out in full force in shops. I don’t recommend this style of dress for the very petite, but if you are average height or taller, go for it! My one warning is that a slightly too-short maxi-dress comes across as a bit strange, so make sure it sits right at the ankle bone with shoes on. I think maxi’s look great with flats, even flip-flop style shoes, because the longer length has a bit of formality to it regardless of the fabric. If you wear it with heels in the day time, make sure you keep the look casual with simple bohemian style jewelry, like wooden hoops and bangles. To dress it up at night, try a long multi-strand necklace and crocheted short-sleeved cardigan with bold earrings and a statement bracelet. Your friends at the bbq won’t stop gushing about how stylish you look, and you’ll still be super comfy!
For the classic dresser, a below the knee dress will always be the most flattering length of dress for pretty much everyone. Though it isn’t on trend right now, this length of dress will always be in style because it’s universally flattering. Being on trend isn’t everything, especially if you aren’t prepared to shop every season. So if you want your wardrobe to give you the most bang for your buck stick to classic, not trendy, summer dresses. A-line, below the knee, with classic patterns like polka dots, stripes or a nice bright solid will never go out of style. A great dress looks like you could have bought it 20 years ago, 10 years ago, or yesterday. If you can’t tell what decade it came from, you can wear it for years to come.
Here are some of my inspirational outfits for this post. Although the items in the picture are quite pricey, you can always find knock-offs in the malls – I always do! Like I said I love color in summer, but I can’t resist a little black and white too…
04.13.10
the t-shirt returns…
Spring usually heralds the return of the t-shirt and this year is no exception. There is a great assortment of brightly colored, fresh, clean, new t-shirts in the shops right now. This is a good thing for moms, because most moms will tell you that the t-shirt is a staple of their wardrobe – and with good reason! They are washable, comfortable, versatile, cheap and easy. I’m all for a great T-shirt collection if its done right. But I see a lot of boo boos out there too! For a modest budget, you can actually add a lot to your wardrobe with T-shirts, just following a few simple rules. Take these rules, be creative and have fun!1.Buy new T-shirts each year. I know it feels good to pull an old favorite over your head, the cotton slides over your skin like silk, its stretched in all of the right places, and the list goes on. Whatever your reasons for hanging on to that 5 year old (or older!) T-shirt, they don’t outweigh the fact that its likely pilling, warped, yellowing in the armpits, or even stained elsewhere with baby slop. Trust me, you can go out and get a better one for very little money, and its worth it. New t-shirts are great too.
2. Look for detail. The key to pulling off a great t-shirt look is detail, detail, detail! V-neck, scoop-neck, boat-neck (big this spring!), cap sleeve, blouse sleeve, bracelet length (not for petites), below the hip, Empire waist detailing, ruffles, rouching, pattern – the list is endless. All of these little details make a Tee look more grown up. Also, for those of us with a mommy tummy, an Empire waist, clever pattern, and longer length camouflage that little bulge with ease. Sometimes, however, the wrong kind of detailing can make you look like a teenager, or worse, highlight the areas you want to disguise.
3. Make sure it fits. A too-tight tee only works on the uber-fit. If you have washboard abs you should show them off! However, a tee that is tight all-over can look a bit juvenile. To grow up the look a bit, try a tee that is a little baggy in one area, like a bloused sleeve. Also, Your husbands and man-friends should wear their own T-shirts! Men’s shirts are cut to flatter their physiques – they don’t generally look good on women. The arm hole is too large to flatter a woman’s chest, the neck is too high, the cut is too boxy to lay nicely over hips and they don’t show off a waist.
4. Accessorize! Just because you are wearing a simple t-shirt doesn’t mean you can’t add a scarf, earrings, bracelet or broach. Any of these easy add-ons really complete an outfit. Don’t be surprised if you try out this tip and get a heap of compliments, even though you’re only wearing a t-shirt!
5. Try out seasonal trends. Don’t be afraid to be trendy with t-shirts. They are inexpensive and a small commitment because they don’t require any tailoring (although tailoring a t-shirt is an easy thing to try out yourself at home). So this spring, have fun with your t-shirts! Try out a nautical stripe, boat-neck or a large bow-accent on the collar. You’ll be on trend, on budget and still be wearing your favorite wardrobe staple – the t-shirt.
Check out these ideas for spring, with these four t-shirts you can get at least 20 different outfits for day, weekend and evening just by switching up jeans, skirts and pants. Mix and match accessories too! Belt it, tuck it into a high-waisted skirt, clip a bow on the neck, throw on some chunky bangles (totally kid-friendly jewelry), wear a vest over it, pull on a boyfriend blazer – the list is endless. Have fun ladies!
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