Not Just For The Bedroom Anymore

I adore scrolling through the lookbooks on Shopbop.com, ever in search of what-to-wear inspiration. Their latest had me stopping dead in my tracks with a slackened jaw. Is it hot in here or is it me?! Hello, sex appeal. Lingerie inspired looks are more popular than ever for the upcoming spring season and I can't wait to be able to dive into this trend. Clothes that look like they should be hidden as underpinnings have such a naughty but nice edge~ forbidden fruit and just as sweet. Corset inspired tops, lots of lace, slippery satin, pale blush colours and barely there hemlines? Sign me up, immediately.

Drool over the lookbook yourself here.

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)

Steal Versus Splurge~ Booties

My lust for booties has been hot and heavy since this time last year when they first burst onto the fashion forefront. I have to be honest, at first I was fairly appalled by them. I always hated the idea of ankle boots, whether with skirts or tucked under pants.... so what was the difference with booties? Yet as I saw them photographed more and more and then saw them in person in the stores my tide turned. I became a little bit obsessed! These are cousins of the ankle boot but a more chic incarnation~ and they look far more refined with skirts and dresses than the lengthier variety. 

Booties are hugely trendy right now and I'm normally hesitant to drop significant cash on something I may not feel like wearing in a few months. I mean, if I had a huge bank balance I would definitely splurge on this platform pair (above) by Louboutin that I mentioned in my last post. However, this is more of a "save" time for me so instead I opted for something a little more affordable. Or a lot more. These faux suede, peep toe cuties (below) are from Forever 21 and set me back a whopping $31. Not an ouch to be heard. I decided to cut off the little side bows to make them more streamlined and now they are perfect and set to wear. The best thing? They are actually comfortable! 

This was one smart steal! 

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!