Short Stuff

Shorts as formal wear? Shorts instead of a skirt? 

And shorts with tights, no less? Hmmmm. 

When this trend first popped up this season I was very unsure. It seemed like some people just couldn't let go of summer! Hello, people! Come on, embrace fall! Put down the shorts! However, I was wrong. When you choose the right shorts paired with the right tights, shoes, top and accessories...this look is fashion forward, edgy and incredibly stylish. I can admit it. I was wrong, and now I love this combination. J.Crew has styled this look to perfection. Not only do they sell beautiful, dressy shorts but they have perfectly on trend, patterned tights and my fave, booties! Be brave and try this look. Your gutsiness will pay off! 

(All photos via J.Crew)

Forever 21 Coming Soon to Vancouver

While I adore fashion and spending a good amount of money on one special piece, bargain hunting is always fun to fill out what is lacking in my wardrobe. My favourite haunts for bargains are normally Zara and H&M, but there will be a new go-to store for me come November when massive American retailer Forever 21 opens their first "Vancouver" store (Burnaby actually) in the Metrotown Shopping Centre. I, for one, can't wait to scour the new location for trends I don't want to spend a fortune on. I've been eyeing these below on the website~ but I'll have to wait another few weeks to 

snap them up in person! 

This season it's all about the boyfriend blazer and I really like this one. I've been coveting my roommate Nicole's and the other night at work a girl was wearing one like this over a killer cocktail dress~ it looked amazing. I like the striped satin lining at the rolled up sleeves~ a peek of personality despite the conservative bend of the jacket! And for around $30? No problem. 

This little evening bag is perfect for a night out~ I love the fashionable studs and long chain handle! And all for $13! Woo! 

I adore the detail on this fashionable little black dress~ the draping in front, pleated hem and bustier top is stylish enough to persuade me to buy black. 

Update: The store is already open and I'm heading there tomorrow to scout it out! Can't wait to see it and report back! 

Thanksgiving

Over a chilly Thanksgiving long weekend all I want to do is this: 

Eat pumpkin pie. Lots of it. Or pumpkin cheesecake. I'm down with that too.

Be cozy. Spend time with my family. Wear fuzzy socks and an oversized sweater. Lose myself in a good book. Relax. Hole up in front of the fireplace above (sadly not mine, but the one in my dreams). 

Turkey turkey turkey. But more importantly, stuffing. 

Sleep in. Wrestle with my purr monster. Have late brunch. 

Bake something fall-ish. Maybe something with apples and cinnamon. Then eat it. 

Best of all, give thanks for all the wonderful people and things in my life. I am truly grateful this year. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

(Photo via This Is Glamorous)

Life in the Trees

Still not feeling 100% percent today so my mind is on escape~ escape from discomfort, escape from normal life. What better place to want to escape to than a tree house, where you can live out childhood fantasies and feel as joyous as a kid again? These three houses make me want to scamper off to the woods and live for awhile in the middle of nowhere. Doesn't that sound wonderful and uncomplicated?  

But wait.... these places have Wifi right? 

ps- I must be the only human being to have gained weight after having not eaten for three days. I was on a liquid diet in the hospital yet I am suspiciously pudgier. What was in those fluids they dripped into my arm, bag by bag? Liquid cupcake? Jeez. 

"I'd rather live in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth." 

-Steve McQueen

Wish List- Wink Harmony Dress

Wink. Could there be a better name on the label of this perfect little fall dress? It certainly feels like a flirtation in itself. The mix of vibrant aqua with the more soothing navy is fresh and chic. The chiffon top with twisted straps falls into a decidedly sexy low back. Even the booties are stylistic heaven. This is so much better than just your typical LBD. 

Eschew the black, girls, and keep colour in your wardrobe. 

This one needs to come home to me. Immediately. 

Coming Up For Air

I am starting to feel better. Like myself again. Yesterday I was driving to work at around 6pm, going over the Granville Street Bridge into the downtown core. The sun was getting low and the light was incredibly beautiful, bouncing off the glass highrises that dot the Vancouver skyline. There was literally not a cloud in the sky as far as the eye could see. It was warm for late September and I was hot despite my window being rolled all the way down and the breeze in my hair. I was listening to my favourite piece of music in the world (curious? click here to hear it) and for the first time in days, weeks, I could feel it. Feel the music in the pit of my stomach, feel the beauty of the perfect evening. For a few moments while speeding over that bridge I felt completely happy in the world. And I knew that everything would be okay. 

Hello, Fall

Hello, Fall. I'm so excited to see you. I can't wait to feel your chill so that I can wear my favourite cozy sweaters again. I can't wait to dig my coats out of my hall closet, where they have languished under garment bags for months. I can't wait to buy a cute hat for those thrillingly rainy days. I can't wait to crunch through fallen leaves scattering the sidewalks of the city. 

Oh Fall, welcome to my life. 

Jewelry Pretty Enough To Eat

Sometimes, jewelry is so pretty it looks good enough to eat! Clearly, Anthropologie agrees~just look at this adorable new series of photos showcasing beautiful bracelets for fall against mouth watering candy! Sometimes a certain piece or product will stop me dead in my tracks to look but other times I'm drawn in by shiny, sexy advertising! These alluring pictures did exactly that~ ooooh, candy.... yummy...... oooh, time to buy a bracelet! How's that for brainwashed?! Still, as I've posted before here, Anthropologie has amazingly lovely jewelry that looks as if it's been found in an estate sale or in a flea market abroad. It all has a unique and special feel in contrast to the mass marketed pieces found in most accessories stores today. These gorgeous bracelets would be a fabulous addition to cute cardigans and jeans for a casual yet chic September outfit! 

 

ps- My favourite is the golden flowered cuff in the top photo.

pps- I'm hungry. But I don't think the gummy worms next to me are the best way to start off the day. Hmmmph. 

(Photos via Anthropologie)

To Snuggle

Some rainy days don't you just want to snuggle? 

Today is one of those days. 

(Photo via Le Love)

Equestrian Fashion Love

I am absolutely adoring the feel of these equestrian inspired looks for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The clothes are cozy yet chic, the feel pulled together and casual yet stylish and romantic. These dreamy images stir a longing in me to pull on a crisp blazer and riding boots and go for a long walk amongst fallen leaves. Plus, the boy is pretty dreamy too! Le sigh....

I have definitely now added pieces inspired by these photos to my fashion wish list. What is on your list for fall? Do you like equestrian inspired fashion, even if you aren't off to ride horses?!

(Photos from Marc O'Polo via this is glamorous)

Chasing The Blues~ Denim That Is!

It's raining today and (insert squeal here) I'm pretty happy about it. There is nothing more iconic about this city than its penchant for rain, and that's why I love it. Fall weather (even at the tail end of summer) translates to that wardrobe switch I've been looking forward to. Instead of day dresses, skirts and sandals it's time to pull out the jeans, blouses, sweaters and boots. Specifically, jeans!

I love denim. Believe me, I live in my jeans in the cold months so having a few pairs is always a good option. What makes things more stressful for my bank balance is that I really love designer denim~ you know, the good stuff that costs a third of my rent payment. Perhaps that's why I only buy a new pair of jeans, on average, of twice a year. 7 for All Mankind, Rock and Republic, Citizens of Humanity, Habitual, Paige Premium, Hudson~ I love 'em all. To me it's worth the "investment". Well made and high priced jeans fit like a glove, gloss over imperfections and feel amazing on.

Well, now style and comfort doesn't have to come with that sky high price tag. Chief Designer Patrick Robinson (well known to the Vogue set) has revitalized The Gap since becoming its Creative Director and this season's big launch is the 1969 Denim Collection. I've been curious since hearing about the new line, although I haven't owned a pair of Gap jeans since high school. However, yesterday I was drawn in by its sexy advertising campaign. I tried on several pairs of the Always Skinny.... and promptly fell in love. These jeans have an incredibly sexy fit, are as soft and cozy as leggings and look pretty darn good too! I could never tell they weren't $300 by looking at them, and all for the I-don't-even-feel-guilty price of $69.50. Yes, you read that right. I'm even thinking of going back for another pair!




Visit The Gap to view the 1969 Collection, including the Always Skinny and six other fantastic options, including the Sexy Boot and the Boyfriend Jean.

(Photos via The Gap.com)

Hello September

I know, I know, it's still officially summer for several more weeks and, trust me, I fully intend to take advantage of the last vestiges of seasonal warmth, patio opportunities and skirt wearing before I break out the tights and boots. But September has arrived (insert squeal here)! I'm sure you summer lovers are cursing my name but look at the photo above~ how can you not love that? 

June, July, August~ see you next year! xo

(Photos via Paper Tissue)

Fall Fashion Wish List

I'm giddy with excitement. It's the last day of August, which means (of course) that tomorrow is September! I adore September for so many reasons~ watching little kids go back to school, rainy days, my birthday, the start of fall.... and the shameless anticipation of adding to my cool weather wardrobe! I love fall clothes! September is, hands down, my favourite time to shop. You see, being a pale redhead means I'm just not genetically built for the tiny outfits of summer. I spend all June and July long staring at girls with perfect, golden tans in abject jealousy. But by the time August rolls around and the stores start filling with jackets, sweaters and trousers I am over all coveting. I'm ready to shop! 

This fall I've been a little behind on my fashion fix. Since I'm not returning to university to finish my last two classes until next spring I don't have the same yen for that satisfying "back to school" shop. That being said it doesn't mean I haven't been drooling over swoon-y things online that I could easily transition into my existing wardrobe. Here are some of the very best pieces I've found that I'm lusting for this fall.....

First of all, the handbag I've finally selected, despite my confusion from purse lust (which I wrote about here). Coach's patent leather doctor-style bag is structured and chic, yet fun because of its hit of colour. I can't wait to finally pick it up this week! 

This sweet dress from Urban Outfitters is appealing to me because of its casual, hippie vibe. I love its subtle print and punch of citrus orange and though it's from UO's summer collection it can easily be paired with an adorable cardigan and my Dorothy-esque patent leather red heels to transition into fall. Plus, at $58 the price is very right!  

Anyone who knows me knows I normally avoid wearing black (except for the odd night at work when I give in to peer pressure!). I find it washes out my pale complexion too much and I look, well, ghostly! However, BCBG's beaded black top is so jaw droppingly gorgeous I must must must have it! The details make me swoon, especially the straps draped over the upper arm~ so pretty! Wearing this I would feel like a 1920's flapper girl~ and best of all, it can be paired with a black pencil skirt as easily as it can be with a pair of jeans and heels! A definite must have.

Antik Batik's beaded mini purse looks like it may be a relic from a Parisian flea market~ and that's exactly why I love it! The long chain makes it the perfect choice for a night on the town, as you can sling it across your body and have your hands free for cocktails and dancing! It's incomparably the prettiest evening bag I've seen in a long time!

I have black boots and I have brown boots but, oh, grey boots! Yes, please! Grey is by far my favourite neutral. It is always perfectly chic and goes with any colour you care to throw next to it. These grey riding boots from Urban Outfitters are the ultimate footwear for those cloudy days when I just want to throw on skinny jeans and a cozy, oversized sweater and brave the elements. These would definitely be worth a road trip to Seattle, as I haven't yet spotted them at our teeny Vancouver store. Who's coming with me? 

I love colour and I really love rich, jewel tone colour! This emerald green, ruffled tank from BCBG would be a considerably glamourous addition in my closet! I would instead opt to pair it with jeans for a date night or grey, pin striped trousers and my new, adorably puff sleeved H&M blazer for a family dinner out. Sexy and casual at the same time means this piece can work double duty!

Nanette Lepore's Heartbeat coat is heaven and almost everything I've been hoping for in such a piece (the only drawback being it's black). Still, its tailored silhouette and exaggerated, flouncy hem is wonderfully romantic and feminine. This would be a joy to slip into on drizzly November days when all I want to do is crawl back into bed! Now if only it came in cream....

This daring little Toucan tunic, also from Antik Batik, would certainly add a little spiciness to my fall wardrobe. The bright splashes of colour would definitely banish any blahs and the abbreviated hemline is decidedly flirty! Plus, I love it paired with the tall boots. Perfect for a night out with my girls! 

Top photo: My current Etsy fave, Sarah Seven, makes heartbreakingly beautiful clothes. I've already posted on her stunning cocktail dresses but now I'm dying for this dreamy, made to measure strapless top in perfect ballerina pink and "sexy secretary" high waisted pencil skirt. Now this is one va va voom outfit! 

So there is my current fall wish list! What are you going to be searching for this upcoming season? Share!