Happy New Year!!! As we reflect on the trials and tribulations of the past year and focus on our goals and aspirations for the new year. Many of us will make resolutions to get in shape physically and mentally. We make plans to get organized, save money or set other personal goals that makes a statement about who we are and what we want to achieve. As we make our statement in the new year it is reflected in our wardrobe. What goals have you set for your wardrobe in order to achieve your aspirations?

Conversing again, with my good friend Brian, he mentioned that his friend didn’t like message tee’s because they can be too political or may put your opinion out there for judgment. Which brought up the point, we’re always making a statement with our ensembles, whether it be financial, political, societal, cultural, artistic, etc. Fashion has always had a unique way of expressing our thoughts through words, fabrics and colour  whether we intend to or not. Hence, the first blog post of 2017. What does your wardrobe say about you? Is it portraying an accurate description of what you want to present to the world?

Developing your personal style and the image you wish to convey to the world takes time, and changes throughout our lifetime. It is influenced by our choice of music, television  to styles advertised in the store windows and magazines.  There are subtle and bold ways in which we make statements with our manner of dress whether it is with cultural garments, message tees, bold colours, favourite sports team or a power suit, we are making a statement about our culture, our careers, or what may be important to us at the moment. What we choose to wear and how it is styled sets us apart from the rest and gives he world a peek into our personality.

My statement, I feel I make to the world is classic and bold. I say classic because I love the clean lines of blazers, trousers and pencil skirts but I love them in bold pinks, reds and yellows. I do own these classic pieces in more traditional colours of black and navy, which is my go to for a professional look. Blazers paired with a tee and jeans and of course my signature pearls is my unofficial uniform; which states that I am professional with my blazers and pearls, bold with colours, whimsical with tees and comfortable in jeans. I also feel that my style says that I’m willing to take risks with my wardrobe and in life.

What we choose to wear is one of the most important statements you will make in your daily life. Your ensemble is what people notice about you before an interview, it is what people notice about you before there is an interaction of any kind. Your style of dress can represent your culture, your favorite team or indicate your profession. It reflects trends or if you prefer to have a more classic style of dress. Your style also hints if you pay attention to minor details of fit, fabric and buttons. Other daily ensembles, such as uniforms can present a message of unity or what we choose to wear can set us apart. You decide what your statement will be.

 

 

 

The Christmas season is officially upon us! It is time to spend time with friends and family show our love and appreciation through gifts. Now, who doesn’t love to receive gifts, especially if it is something that you’ve patiently waited for all year long. On the other hand, trying to show appreciation and gratitude for a thoughtless gift..is difficult.  I know that may have come off a little harsh, but every year people run around at the last minute wasting time and money on trinkets and gifts that will go unused or recycled. Yes, it is the thought that counts so why not really consider the personality, likes and interests of the recipient.

When purchasing a gift for that special someone, consider the following:

GENIUNE. Be genuine about the gift. What I mean is pay attention to the details. For example, where do they like to shop, what are their hobbies, favorite candies, do they prefer tea or coffee or what are the causes are they passionate about. Basically do your research about the person you will be purchasing for.

 

INDIVIZUALIZE. I work in retail and I purchase things for my self regularly throughout the year and I have been described as a difficult person to shop for. I wouldn’t say that I am difficult; I am very particular in what I like and don’t like. However, my favourite gifts I have received in the past have been monogramed items such as towels, cosmetic bags and stationary. I loved these because they were personalized and very thoughtful  gifts that I would not have purchased myself.

FUNCTION. The gifts that I love to give and receive are the ones that serve a purpose like books, pajamas, gift cards ( I repeat, gift cards!), or helping a friend out in an unexpected way.  I was talking to a friend about this blog post and he said that he is taking his good friend grocery shopping as a gift. As unconventional  as it sounds, I love this idea! Sometimes the best gift is meeting a need of that special someone. Many will argue that gift cards are impersonal, but if it is a gift card to their favourite store and  with their favourite candy, beverage or movie can personalize it and still says “I thought of you” Also, the recipient of the gift card can purchase something that they really want or need. Gift cards are not impersonal; they’re practical. Also, purchased at their favourite store… it is the perfect gift.

TIME.  The gift of spending time with loved ones is priceless. Coordinating events with friends and family with the  opportunity to reconnect is amazing. This is an opportunity where you can be creative with gifts. For example, pay for a maid service for a week, have a girls weekend or family vacation instead of buying more stuff. Giving the gift of time means an opportunity to work on yourself. A better version of you really

 

SURPRISES. Now if you’re one for presents (truth is who doesn’t like ripping into wrapping paper with wonder) Surprising that special someone with the exact item they’ve been hinting at all year long-even in the colour they wanted…is a nice surprise. These types of gifts say “I listened and I was paying attention” Which really is the gift any of us really want.. to know that we’ve been heard.

 

 

 

The Holiday season is  rapidly approaching which is filled with holiday feasts, gatherings, holiday work engagements and the stress of what to wear to these events which seem to take place everyday from now until January.

The holidays are already a  stressful time of year  and coordinating an ensemble should not be another added stressor. In fact, after breakfast and my morning devotional, getting dressed is my favourite part of the day!

As we count down the rest of 2016, I will guide you and your wardrobe with key pieces that can take you from work to an office party to time with the family and all of those events in between.

Outfitting for the holidays is more than the flashy lighted holiday sweaters of Santa and Rudolph. Your holiday cheer can be reflected in outfits that are chic, professional, practical while still capturing the Spirit of Christmas.

A Party of Plaids.

 

 

Plaid is a pattern of radiant reds, glorious greens, winter whites and bold blues. It is one of the easiest way to incorporate a bit of holiday cheer into your wardrobe. With the various types of plaids, ranging from a buffalo print to the traditional tartan,  (that could be a blog itself…note to self plaid blog)  plaids  can be worn with blazers, trousers, skits and jeans. Don’t forget my go-to Chambray shirt which goes with everything. With a  change of shoe or statement piece, you are now ready for the office holiday party.

Lovely in Lace

 

Lace is no longer a fabric reserved for weddings and other special occasions. It has gone beyond that little camisole that we all own with the lace trim;  Lace has taken a permeate role  in the realm of classic apparel. Classic silhouettes such as skirts and trousers in lace, creates an elegance that is appropriate for all occasions. One of my favourite lace piece this season is the lace pants from J.Crew. and paired with another classic piece or seasonal colour, you have the recipe of a perfect outfit.

 

Gala of Glitter

 

Glitter is my go to for all occasions: holiday parties, birthdays, hump-day. Glitter and Sparkles always takes my ensemble to the next  level of celebrations. You can sprinkle in  a little glitter with a pair a shoes or clutch or drizzle yourself with a sequin pencil skirt, jacket or dress. The key to sequins apparel is that the glitter pieces must be the focal point of the your ensemble. Balance the sequins with neutral colours or with pops of colours. As much as I love glitter and sequins, Please, please don’t wear head to toe glitter, it is too much for the eye to process.

 

 

 

Outfitting for the holidays should not be an added stress;  It should be  a fun and seamless affair. Incorporating lace,  plaid or sequence to your holiday wardrobe can eliminate some of the guesswork of what to wear. Here are some key points to remember when wearing one of the key pieces of the seasons:

• Fit is Key, especially with the fabrics of lace and sequins.
• If it can be worn with black or denim, it can be worn with Plaid, lace or sequins
• You don’t need a special place to wear it. If you like it, wear it. You don’t owe anyone any explanations.
• Most importantly, Have fun and celebrate this holiday season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After all things pink and sparkle, Leopard print is my favourite pattern that has been incorporated into my wardrobe. With its timeless and versatile attributes, leopard print easily elevates even the most basic of outfits.

Every couple of fall fashion premiers, leopard print is the “it colour” of the season, but for me it is a timeless classic that looks great as a pair of shoes or a leopard skirt. Here are a few of my must haves and how to style it

Leopard shoes are a must have! If you purchase only one leopard print item, it should be shoes. This classic print is so versatile that is classically pairs with jeans and a sweater to that little black dress (LBD) Seriously, what other print is able to go with EVERYTHING?!

 

 

Leopard via the Classics

Leopard print in a “classic” such as sweaters, blouses and skirts is my absolute favourite  way to incorporate the bold print. With its rich colours of browns, black and creams; it makes a bold statement all the while being timeless and chic. Paired with a colourful  blazer, ballet flats, jeans and of course my signature pearls, you have the making of the perfect outfit composed of the classics (refer to previous blog posts).

 

The sweater that is paired with the blazer is the same sweater that is paired with the black pleated leather skirt. What I love about this print is that it is easily styled and it a great transition print for light weight fabrics such as linen to the heavier ones like leather.

 

 

 

 

 

Of all things leopard, a pencil skirt in this bold print has to be my favourite leopard piece. Here it is styled with a “tippi” sweater in merlot(from J.Crew) and of course my signature pearls. This natural and neutral print can be transitioned throughout the seasons by pairing it with warm to cool colors  in other words any colour from “midnight” to “neon flame” (red-orange) to “wild flamingo” (pinks)

For those who are venturing into this print for the first time, you can start with shoes or even leopard print accessories. It’s a simple way to introduce the print into your wardrobe without having to commit to an outfit.  A scarf, belt or even a headband is just enough leopard  to be subltle

And for my fashionistas who love this print, there is one “don’t” when it comes to this print: wearing various leopard prints at the same time.

A “do” for this print: mix it with different prints like this plaid blazer, which I found at Target ( pronounced with my French accent).

 

In my fashionable opinion, every woman should add at least one leopard piece to her wardrobe. It is a timeless, classic, neutral print that boldly makes a statement worn with solid colours or compliments particular prints such as plaid.  In conclusion, leopard is a very bold and sexy print, only one leopard print at a time and how ever you decide to style it, look fabulous!!!

 

 

 

 

 

“Don’t wear white after labor day” has been the fashion rule for decades which has been passes down by both our mothers and grandmothers  and many people still shop and organize their wardrobes according to this “white rule” but is wearing white after labor day a fashion faux paux or is it officially time to forget the rule once and for all?

History of No white after labor Day

White clothing is one of the official signs of summer and prior to the days of air conditioned homes and buildings; it was the main way people kept cool in the summer by wearing white clothing; it deflects light whereas dark clothing will absorb heat and light. White clothing also represented the final vacation of summer for many families before they had to put away their summer wardrobes and prepared for the cold and wet seasons of autumn and winter.

Many of the fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Cosmopolitan  who also happen to be based in New York, dictated the fashion trends according to the climate of the “Big Apple”. Summers are hot and the autums and winters quickly become cold and wet and wearing white it that type of environment wasn’t considered a la mode or practical.

To wear or not wear white after Labor Day

As the saying goes “rules are meant to be broken.” and I don’t stop wearing my white denim just because the calendar says it’s time for fall to arrive. With advances in technology and fashion trends, the rule of no white after Labor Day is no longer faux paux.

As I transition my wardrobe from summer to fall, the one item that I won’t put away is my white denim. They are a staple of my yearly wardrobe and I pair white denim with heavier fabrics like merino wool, cable knit sweaters, boots and of course my favourite  tweed blazers.

So after decades of debate, white after labor day is a “do,” just trade in your white linen and eyelet pieces for  traditionally fall fabrics in white of course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the fashion world, Fall has arrived. However, in the real world, fall is a month away which means this is a transition period for the world of retail. While advising some of my budget yet fashion conscience teachers, the best time of year to establish your wardrobe of your needs and wants without breaking the bank while catching the end of season sales. 

First, all clothing is marked according to colour, not style, which is why staple colours such as navy, black, white and grey are always last to be marked down or never marked down at all. Which means, if a colour  is very popular it will stay full price until it is out of season or completely sold out.

Second, the words sale and promotion have two very different meaning in the world of retail. A sale is when the product or collection is marked down 50% or more so it can move quickly to make room for the incoming collection.  A promotion is when a product from a collection is highlighted and is usually promoted for a week with a 20%-25% off the original price. Please don’t confuse the two.

Last but not least, the end of the fashion seasons does means great sales and discounts. However, it also means limited sizing, styles  and colours of the fashions that you have been eyeing all season long. Also you need to note,  if your size or favourite colour tends to sell out first. I suggest the following to you:

A.) Buy during the Fashion World season and hope to catch the item on promotion or use your teacher discount (if your favourite store offers one)

B.) Sign up of email offers from your favourite stores. Many times, subscribers receive online offers that they can use online or in store.

C.) Wait until the Fashion Season is over- sometimes you might get lucky, especially if your stalk the websites and markdowns of your favourite stores. Markdowns are usually  done weekly (this does depend on the company and level of inventory of an individual store.)

December-January-February: Baby It’s Cold Out side

• Real World:It is winter outside, and this is the best time to buy coats and sweaters at discounted prices because stores are preparing for their resort and spring collections. However, sizing, colours and style are very limited. So if you’re not too particular, wait until you can save as much money as possible 
• Fashion World: Swim-wear and resort wear and Spring  styles are in stores. Some styles will be on promotion. However, customers tend to order multiple colours and sizes a one time to find the perfect fit of swimwear so options are already limited. Act fast!

March-April-May: Spring Has Sprung

• Real World:  this is a perfect time to buy styles in classic colours. Designers are usually launching a spring and/or summer versions of their winter styles. Don’t wait too long, these go very fast especially that the classic colours are are on sale, shop fast!
• Fashion World: Summer styles are in Stores and popular trends and styles will be promoted.

June-July-August: School’s out for Summer

• Real World: Summer has arrived, and this is the time to buy summer styles and swim-wear on sale  because stores are preparing fall collections. However, shorts, polos, trends of the season and t-shirts in neutral colors will remain full price or on promotion because they are considered staples of any wardrobe.  There is one exception to this rule; when designers decide to change the style of a staple. For example, changing the neckline, sleeve length or fabric. Also, these neutral colours are usually used as uniforms for many schools and businesses
• Fashion World: It is clearance galore and stores are marking styles down aggressively which means styles, colours and sizes are going quickly. Also, early fall styles are arriving to stores and customers get a peak at what the fall fashions will be.

September-October-November- The Arrival of Autumn

• Real World: Autumn has arrived, all summer styles are officially gone and it is time to pull out sweaters, boots, layers and all things pumpkin.
• Fashion World: Holiday styles are a in full swing and resort wear styles are trickling into stores.

In conclusion, fashions arrive one season ahead of mother nature’s seasons and in order to shop the latest fashions, you need to shop in the fashion seasons but  to catch the sales, you need to shop in true seasons.