Scarf Swap

A couple of weeks ago, I participated in a scarf swap organised by Jessie from The Concrete Catwalk. You know how much I love scarfs ! My partner, Kara of Confessions of a wannabe Fashionista (go check her blog, she's amazing) sent me an amazing scarf to style and blog about. Here's how I like to wear mine.

And for more ideas on how to wear a scarf

• The Hermes way and some others HERE
• The Keiko Lynn way HERE
• This sites with tutorials of 37 ways to wear a scarf HERE
• And an other one HERE (look in the sidebar for the list of different knots)

See, the possibilities are endless, no wonder I love scarfs so much !

Summer bits !

First I would love to thanks all of those who participated in the "What's in your bag" link party. It was fun peeking in all your bags.

This week is my last week at home with the kids before going back to work. I can't believe that it's been one year since the last time I went to the office, I'm not shure I even know how to be a lawyer anymore (just kidding, it's like riding a bike !!!).  And since the husband is finally on vacation, we are gonna be having all sorts of family fun !

Have a nice sunny day !

What's in your bag ?

Usually on friday, I have a FBFF post for you guys, but since we only have questions every other weeks now, I did something a little different. I trew an idea at my blogger friends, ask them if thet would show me what's in their purse, and they said yes ! I love that it's an unusual to know peoples.

Now I'm ready to spill out my secrets.

Purse: Co-Lab via Feet First

That purse is my current favorite for summer. It's roomy, have a crossbody strap, a lot of pockets and goes with everything. It's important that my everyday bag is big enough for me to carry my day planner (and pens, of course). I write everything down, appointements for the whole family, events with family and friends, birthdays... they all rely on me ! I also never leave the house without my epipen (I have pretty serious allergies so it's a must, even when it comes to evening bag). And my keys !

Wallet: Fossil

I have a thing for Fossil's wallets. They are made of beautiful leather, they are affordable and of very good quality. Even my husband is sold, he will have nothing else ! Also Ray Band sunglasses (prescription of course), I Pod Touch (wich I can listen to in the car, the office and at home so I'm never without music) and my trusty Blackberry Bold (I love that phone !!!).

Nails: Sally Hansen Salon Effect in Electric Shock

Okay, this one is just an excuse to show you my new nail polish... and my beautiful boys ! Who need wallet pictures now that we have cell phones with built in cameras !

Finally, the beauty department. I am addicted to Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm. It feels fresh when we put it on (it's the mint part) and leave a pretty pink shade on the lips. I also love Sugar lips treatment with FPS 15, it leaves the lips soft and hydrated. The colored hues are a great alternative to lipstick or lipgloss. When I'm working (I'm still on maternity leave for an other week) I carry my favorite everyday lipstick wich is Coco Rouge Shine in Aventure. Studio Fix from MAC is my go to for unexpected complexion emergency (and last minute touch up).

And finally, some stuff to tame my hairs (including my travel brush from Sephora). I usually carry one sample hairspray bottle as well for emergencies including the hair (and to stop a run trough pantyhoses or tights!!!).
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Now in collaboration with FBFF I invite you to link to your own "What's in your bag" post. Invite your friends to do the same, the more the merrier !!!!

If you would like to join FBFF head over to Modly Chic and subscribe HERE.

Closet series - Step 4: Shopping

Now that all the previous steps are done, I can finally go shopping. But let's not get carried away right this second.

I started by making a list using the knowledge I gained in the previous steps.

I set up a budget of how much I'm comfortable paying for all those things keeping in mind somes personnal shopping rules I learned over the years.

• SAVE : On the fasionnable items that your gonna get tired of sooner than later and on the accessories that are a great way to spice up and elevate a look to the next level at a low price. I love Forever21 and H&M for those kind of pieces.
• INVEST : On staple pieces, like a pair of neutral pants with a good fit, that you'll wear over and over, that can be remixed numerous times and are not gonna go out of style over the years
• SPLURGE : Only when the budget is permitting and on special pieces that are gonna last years and years, like a great leather handbag, a great coat, a timeless silk scarf (you can see I tought about this one a lot !!!)
• DONT SETTLE : Don't buy a piece only because it's unexpensive, don't pay for a piece that doesn't fit perfectly (unless it can be altered at a reasonnable cost, working with the clothes is totally okay and sometimes necessary) and don't spend on a piece that is just okay, you'll get tired of it too soon.
• DONT FORGET TO REMIX: If you can't figure out at least 3 ways to wear an item, you're better off !

Before I headed to the store, I took a look around online to see what's out there and how much I can expect to pay for it. I usually prefer to buy in the actual store because I love to be able to try on the clothes first, but sometimes the selection and prices are better online, so I need to keep that in mind.

When shopping online, I always pay attention to

• Sizing charts (and for this one it is good to know your mesurements)
• Comments of users on the product: is it smaller than the average ? is the cut flattering ?
• Shipping charges and the possibility of custom fees and taxes if the store is outside Canada, I want to know exacly how much I'm spending.

And finally, here are some tips to score big deals

• Subscribe to the newsletter of your favorite stores so you'll be notified when there are sales, free shipping, etc.
• Shop the sales (of course)
• Susbcribe to private discount online stores like Beyond The Rack (if you need an invite grab one HERE).
• Shop in outlet or discount stores

So here it is ! I started my shopping, crossed some things off my list (you don't have to buy all of them at once) and now have a closet with practical, beautiful and easy to remix pieces. It was a lot of work, but it was well worth it. Now all I have to do is get dressed ! And blog about it, of course.

P.S. Friday I'm hosting a "What's in your handbag" post. You're all invited to share what's in yours, what you never leave the house without and there will be a Mr Linky to leave a link to your blog post for everyone to read ! Let's spill our secrets girls !!!



Walkin' On The Sun

Top: Walmart

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Guess

Necklace: Aldo

Bracelets: F21, Aldo

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Ray Band

It's very sunny, and very hot this week in Montreal. I mean I could cook an egg outside hot. Layering is not an option in this weather, so I jumped in the arm party wagon and layered some of my favorite blacelets and watch.

Have a very sunny day and I'll see you tomorrow, for the last part of my closet overhall !

Sunday wishlist - Perfect weekend wear

Sunday wishlist - Perfect weekend wear par aprettynest utilisant navy shoes

That's what I wish I were wearing today on this sunny day ! Hues of blue with a pop of yellow ! I need to start saving for this bag, and top !

Have a very nice sunday my lovelies !

Under the weather !

Sorry my lovelies about my lack of posting, I know I made promises but I've been a little under the weather ! I did an allergic reaction to some meds I've been taking and let me tell you, it was not a pretty sight. I looked like a lobster ! And it was itching like crazy. But I'm beginning to feel better now, and I should be back on track real soon.

 And while I was not in any condition to be in front of the lens, I did prepare you a fun fashionable DIY that will air next week. I'm thinking of doing more of those, I would love to know if that would be interesting to you lovely readers.
Thanks for sticking by !

Closet series - Step 3: Get inspired, and know what you need !!!

Now that I got rid of the clothes that I don't or won't wear, and that I organised all the remaining of my closet, comes the part where the magic begin.

As I initially told you in this series, the whole point of this process for me is to create a workable and stylish closet for work. Since I'm a lawyer, I need a professional wardrobe. When I go to court or meet clients, there's not much room for something super stylish, but when I stay at the office, I can have more fun with my clothes. Also, at the office, jeans and denim are only allowed on friday. That's what I need to keep in mind while assessing what I need, and want out of my closet.

After I made an inventory of what's left in my closet and look back at the notes I took last week (of the possible outfits made with the pieces already in there). I can already tell that:

• I need pants other than jeans, one pair of black trouser won't do the trick
• I don't need any kind of black skirts, 5 is enough !!! I didn't realised I had that much.
• I have a lot of flowy tops that either looks great tucked in something high waisted (so I don't look like a block) or something tight (like skinny pants).
• I don't have any button down left wich could be an issue
• I need colorful tops (I have too much white, grey and black)

Next was so much fun. I have on my computer a file where I keep all my style inspiration pictures from bloggers, street style pictures, magazines and celeb. I tried to recreate some of the looks (or create inspired looks) with my current clothes, taking notes when I got an outfit I loved.

(via The Glamourai)

After that, I listed the pieces that were missing in my wardrobe to achieve the looks I like. But I had to keep in mind that I am on a budget and that the pieces I end up getting need to be versatiles

(via Style Scrapbook by Andy)

.

As an example, I love the look of a feminine skirt with a denim button up BUT, since denim is allowed only once a week and I'm currently on a budget, I might want to wait to get a denim button up and keep my money for a more useful item. Unless I can score one at a low sales price right now. Or try to get a button up that is still casual but not denim to get a similar feel.

After all that, I not only have a good idea of how versatile my clothes are and how I could wear them, but I also have a good idea of what pieces I need to complete my closet.

Next week is the final step to my closet overhaul, just in time as I'm getting back to work real soon. And I will share with you my shopping tips !!!

P.S. I will have an outfit post tomorrow, and friday, I will premiere my new hair style, thanks for those who voted and help me decide what to do !

Friday finds !

Sorry guys for the lack of outfit post this week, I've been busy all week and haven't got around taking pictures. But not to worry, I'll have my take on what to wear to a rock concert next week, since I'm going to see U2 tomorrow (I'm doing an happy dance right now, wish you could see it !!!).

But I got some shopping done this week, and I decided to share with you guys.

First, these are the best pants in the history of pants. I tought I would never find the perfect pair of skinny, not denim, black pants for work, but Gap proved me wrong !!!

(via Gap Canada)

They are comfortables, don't wrinkle, fit like heaven and comes in petite lenght (as well as regular and tall, but I'm 5'2 so petite it was for me !).

Also, one of my favorite trend this year is staking bracelet (along with my Michael Kors rose gold watch I got for my b day !!!). I found some amazing ones (at a reasonable price) at Fossil.

(all pictures via Fossil.com - click on the picture to shop)

I finally took the first one, but promised myself to go back for more once I have a shopping budget again. They also have the prettiest watches and purses !!!

And finally, my new favorite beauty product.

(via Clinique.com)

I have an acne prone skin so I am really afraid of fondations (I don't want to make things worse). But I do have some redness and some occasionnal pimples to cover and this product is amazing. It's lightweight (I feel like I'm wearing nothing), covers great and has acne fighting ingredients in, all for a reasonable price.

So that's it for now, I will go back to family fun in the sun and will be back next week with load of outfit posts, step 3 in my closet tansformation and other fun stuff too !

Have a very nice weekend !

Closet series - Step 2: Organise and Remix

Now that I got rid of all the uncessary things in my closet begin the fun part.

Since there was still a lot of clothes in my closet at this point, I had a difficult time deciding what was ultimately going to work for me, how it would all come together in the end. So I decided I needed a fresh start. I have an hanging rack that I use to air dry my clothes, I put it in the hallway and put all my clothes on it. So my closet was completely empty at this point.

Then I shopped off the rack and the remixing begin. To gain a space back in my closet, a piece had to be versatile. I begin with bottoms and made different outfits with the tops, taking notes when I got a result I loved. If I made at least 3 outfits, it was in. And so I went.

Then in the rack the only things that were left, were the things I either don't feel like wearing anymore (those went) or special pieces like evening dresses, that I won't wear on a daily bases. Those went in the back of my closet, where I don't see them when getting dressed (so they don't distract, I'm easily distracted when getting dressed).

Then I organised my closet. In this department, I have a little OCD ! Everything is organised by type of garment, and then by color. Everything has to be easy to find in a minute, or less !!!

This is it for this week, nextweek  I will asses my needs (helped by some style inspiration). And finally, the fun part, I will go shopping, on a budget and with some important rules in mind.

Have a nice day !

Open for business

I opened the "Shop my closet" shop today. You can expect pretty clothes and very low prices. I'm also opened to clothes swap, so if you see something you like and want to exchange it for something you think I might like, just contact me, all infos in the "Shop my closet" tab under the header !

Don't forget to aswer my quick poll, I need you advice before my stylist appointment next week.

Thanks !

A new staple and a question, I need your advice !

Top: Zara

Vest: Banana Republic

Jeggins: Smart Set

Shoes: Guess

Necklace: Aldo

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Ray Band

I bought this vest on an impulse, and after wearing it once, styled by an other blogger on the Paper Doll Project, I just tought that vest was not as awesome as I thought it was in the store (the result was just not my style). While cleaning my closet last week I pulled it off and found a million ways to wear it. This piece became a staple in my wardrobe, and I can't wait till the weather drops down so I can  use it as a layering piece.

And good news my friends !!! I just made an apointment with my stylist, the hightlights are going next week ! I might go ombre and bring the bangs back ! So tell me, what do you think ? I need help deciding !

Friends Friday - Fashion formula

It's time again for Fashion Beauty Friends Friday ! This week's topic is fashion formula.

1.      What’s your go-to outfit formula?

On a work day - Tailored pants and a cute blouse with heels
On an off day - Skinny jeans, cute top and ballet flats

2.      How did you come about this formula?

I hate to think about it as a formula because it's predictable. I like to get creative when dressing. But I think I go for looks that are comfortable and feminine witout being frumpy.

3.      Do you have different formulas for different occasions in your life?

Definitely. If there's one thing I hate, it's being over or under dressed.

4.      Has it morphed over the years?

Oh yes !!! It has evolved with my life.

5.      Which other blogger’s outfit formula would you like to swipe?

That's hard to answers. The most inspiring bloggers for me are the ones that are unpredictable, you never know what they will wear next. But I do love how Cee from Coco and Vera style is always feminine yet accessible.

(via Coco and Vera)

Don't forget to head over to Modly Chic to read all my fellow FBFF bloggers friends !

P.S. I'll be back on sunday with a weekend outfit post ! Don't forget to come and take a peek !