Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dressing the Man


As Reachel so eloquently stated "One cannot fashion an empire without outfitting all its constituents, especially one's partner in power." After a recent shopping trip with the Dr, it didn't take me long to assess what works and what doesn't work when dressing your man for summer. Here are a few of my tips -

1. Khakis & Linen - done properly these can be your man's best friend. I prefer the wrinkle resistant variety [less work for me - better look for him]. To ensure a crisp appearance, make sure they break properly and fit snuggly in the hip/thigh/butt region. Avoid all regular or relaxed cuts and opt instead for a slim fit. Dockers makes a fantastic wrinkle resistant khaki and I can confirm that after sitting/standing/walking for an entire day, the pants were wrinkle free!

2. Shirts - Please avoid the short sleeve dress shirt and tie look. All dress shirts, even summer versions, should have proper sleeves (men, you can roll them if necessary). In this case, the Dr chose Gingham for it's versatility. While it is commonly considered casual, when paired properly it can work as well in an office environment as it does left open on the weekends. To avoid the down-home country feel, ensure the gingham print is tiny and the collar / cuffs of the shirt are properly pressed.

3. The polo - Stay away from darks or neutrals. Choose a bright colour that brings out the colour of your man's eyes, or defines his dark features (the Dr. opted for pink - yay!). Again the fitted polo is versatile and works well for the office, the golf course and on weekends. Steer clear of anything baggy or too long, and opt for something slim through the trunk and bicep region.

4. Socks - Leave the sweat socks at home and choose something funky like Paul Smith or Duchamp. The right socks can add that extra punch to any outfit!

5. The ribbon belt - To avoid the frat-boy appearance, ensure the belt has a touch of leather on the buckle, the loop, and the ends - preferably brown.

6. Shoes - Brown Leather Driving Loafer. Enough said.

7. Accessorize - Aviators and proper brown leather sandals are classics and will last your man through many a summer season to come.

Home Inspiration :: Sihouette Shots

I love the idea of painting silhouettes onto plates [instead of canvas] and mounting them on the wall. Wouldn't they look fantastic mounted in a modern setting like this with a mixture of solid plates and silhouettes to give it a modern vibe!?!?
{via & via}

Monday, June 29, 2009

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Have you heard the news???? Jimmy Choo is designing a collection for H & M!!!!  Mark your calendars because the collection is set to hit stores on November 14th

Monday Morning Lovelies

New lovelies from Anthropologie  {Fey Grove Dress, Breeze-Blown Blouse}

Friday, June 26, 2009

RIP

Where were you when you heard the news? The Dr and I were on our way to the mall when we heard it on the radio. At first we couldn't believe it [ it didn't help that the broadcaster didn't sound like she could believe it either] so we called a friend who verified that Michael Jackson was indeed gone. By the time we left the mall everyone was buzzing about it.

Love him or hate him, Michael Jackson was a tremendously talented individual who had a huge impact both in life, and now in death. Every radio station I tuned into today was playing one hit or another from his various albums. Every television station was celebrating his successes in one way or another because let's face it, Michael Jackson was music royalty. Personally I can't think of a better way to mourn the death and celebrate the life of such an iconic man than to pull out your favorite Michael Jackson record/cd/cassette/MP3 and spend the evening dancing away in your kitchen or living room with friends. May he rest in peace.

Good Eats :: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

From this month’s edition of Canadian House & Home.

HOT

I’ll take my Friday Splurge with a side of Johnny Depp please and thank you.

Fashion Friday - Splurge

Who - Zooey Deschanel
What - That gorgeous blue dress with embellishments
Where - (500) Days of Summer premiere
Why - I just love the whole look [ minus the shoes, not sure what happened there ?!]

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Wardrobe Assistance

Ok my lovelies, I need your help.  I'm going to a wedding on July 25th and I need shoes to go with my new Kate Spade dress.  I have these which I ♥ but I'm not sure the colours will correspond correctly.  My restrictions are as follows;

  1. fun but also something I can wear to work afterwards,
  2. a maximum of a 2.5" heel or wedge and,
  3. something that I can easily find in Canada.

Holy mack.  We woke up this morning to 40° sweltering heat in June.  Needless to say, all I can think about is being home, eating popsicles and wearing this dress.  Thank goodness for central air.
{via}

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Sisters

I don’t have one but if I did, I’m certain we would be this chic and awesome!  I of course would be the impeccably dressed and super stylish Zooey and my sister would be the Emily. 

{via : via}

 

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Give your furniture some fashion!

Why did I not think of this?  When we moved into our home, we were blessed (cursed?) with gorgeous mahogany hard wood floors.  Since noticing some scratches the first few weeks after moving in, I constantly find myself replacing the felt pads on the bottom of our chairs to avoid anymore dreaded scratches and dings.  Since I just set up my sewing area last week, I think my first project might be a pair of chair socks.  Please stop laughing.

{via}

Friday, June 19, 2009

Splurge Friday


Today my sweet sweet man is enjoying a much deserved mini-vacation with his friends at the cottage. To say I'm jealous is a mild understatement but I've decided to think of my time at home as a stay-cation. This morning I thrifted and enjoyed a nice hot coffee on the patio of a local cafe, spent some time downtown browsing the uber-chic and uber-expensive stores, ate lunch in a courtyard beside a beautiful old fountain, witnessed a man dressed up as a seal {adorable!} carrying a sign that said "Please don't club me", and tonite I'm going to curl up and watch some chick-flicks - like PS - I love you and Sex and The City without feeling even a teensy-bit guilty. Yay!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Peter Jensen - Resort 2010

♥ the colour combination, the wearability of the outfit / individual pieces, and the visual styling.

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Kate Spade Sample Sale

Go immediately before all the gorgeousness has been snapped up!

More is More!

I love these dresses (especially the 1st left) but I can’t stand wearing anything strapless.  There is nothing worse than being that girl at the party who is always hiking up the top of her dress. JCrew gets points for effort and the gorgeous florals, but I’m not buying.

{via}

Etsy... You are my kryptonite

 

Monday, June 15, 2009

Inspire Me

Inspire Me – organized chaos + vintage accessories + muted colours + wide open spaces

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Family Trees

Inspiration for a cold and dreary Monday morning.
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Friday, June 12, 2009

Splurge Friday :: Luggage

The perfect carry-on / weekender for travelling in style.
{{L-R} Corrie Bond, Kate Spade Duchess, Samsonite Black Label Vintage Collection}

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Friday?

I’m whooped.  I’ll be back tomorrow with the usual Splurge.

 

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Summer Wishlist - Item 1

1.       Toned & tanned legs that warrant wearing these adorable shorts. 

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Twirling Top

I like this because you can just as easily pair it with jeans or a straight skirt.  I also like the sale price. Can you believe retailers are already showcasing fall items such as leather jackets?  We haven’t even had a summer yet and already I’m being forced to think about cold weather. 

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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Exit Domino :: Enter Real Living


I must subscribe... Immediately.

Defining Style

b

Recipe for my personal style =
classic bones + antique wood + modern accessories
+ a hint of crystal + personal accessories + amenities.

Personal Pet Peeve #1 - Televisions. So many homes that are featured in magazines and blogs lack modern amenities, like a television. We know you watch tv. Why try and hide it? I realize that a television isn't exactly a "stylish" accessory but it's a must {I like me some Fashion TV and What Not to Wear after a long day at the office.} Do you incorporate a television into your main space? And while we're talking pet peeves... What are your thoughts about guests and shoes? On or off? Please weigh in below, this is still, to this day a hot topic amongst my friends.
{via :via}

Fashion Crime

Forgive me fashion gods, for I have sinned. I got really tired of paying my drycleaner a ridiculous amount of money every week to ruin my beautiful silk dresses. So last night, I... I... machine washed them {gasp!} myself -in a front loader on the delicate/handwash cycle. In other news... Looks like peanut butter DOES come out of silk. Booyah!

See people, I'm doing my part to save the earth by not having my delicates drycleaned in toxic chemicals and stored in horrible plastic bags. Good bye drycleaning, hello 50$ in my pocket.

p.s. - while I am confessing, I also washed my favorite blue coat and it turned out fine.
p.s.s - this is in no way an endorsement to forgo the drycleaner and wash your delicates.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Mondays!

Ever had one of those days when you leave the house wearing something really pretty only to get to work and realize you have a stain on your skirt?  My friends, today is that day.  I sure do hope peanut butter comes out of green silk, otherwise my gorgeous green Anthropologie dress (circa Summer 2008) will have to become a tunic.  This will make for one sad cat. My grandma always said bad things happen in threes.  First, we get broken into. Second, our brand new car was leaking coolant and needed a new water pump. Third, peanut butter on the dress?  I guess it could have been worse!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Bathroom Style

Some might use this as a shower curtain… I say wrap this beauty around yourself and wear it as a dress!

{Madeleine Shower curtain}

Tory Burch

I’m chuckling as I write this because a year ago I wouldn’t have been caught dead wearing Tory Burch*.  There was just something about the collection that screamed “Look at me! I’m an upper-crust, middle-aged, SUV driving, latte drinking, bling wearing snob”.  I guess I wasn’t the only one out there who felt this way because this season’s collection has a very new and fresh feel to it.  Sure the caftans + white jeans + bohemian accents are still available, but there is also a dynamite selection of versatile pieces for all occasions.  I love the colourful patterns, the vintage appeal, and all the layering that’s going on in the lookbook.  Clearly this is a line that’s trying to market itself to the young professional.  Are you buying?  I am.

 
If you’re in the market for a dress I suggest checking out the Milia.  It comes in two colour-ways (I prefer the blue) and is woven with a subtle gold metallic thread.  The style is flattering for all body types (slightly empire) and the silk floats away from the body just perfectly.  It’s a great transition piece – wear it to work (with a blazer) and then out for dinner with someone special, dressed up to a wedding where you want to dance your face off or dressed down with layers for pre-fall.  The entire TB collection runs a tad-bit tiny, but I still wear my regular size.  Also, just to clear up any misconceptions about length, I’m 5’5 and this dress hits at my knee.
  

p.s. – Anyone else think the model looks ridiculously similar to Shannon Elizabeth?  What ever happened to her anyways???

 * I own a dress and a tank from this SS 2009 collection and it’s only a matter of time before the Milia dress hits the sale rack (in blue!) and becomes mine.

{via}

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

If you are reading this, I want my stuff back!

I’d like to start this by apologizing to everyone who reads here on a regular basis. I know that the posts have been thin recently, and I’m sad to report they will probably continue to be thin for the next little while. My desire to look at pretty things has up and left since someone broke into our house earlier this week.

We have a lot to be thankful for; the dog was fine, there was no visible vandalism, most of our most personal effects stayed put, but at some point in time I lost my joie du vivre. I try so hard to always remember that there is good in everyone, but after being robbed, I’m finding it hard to smile, to be polite and not to suspect everyone I see on the street of stealing my security.

On top of it all, the thief (thieves?) stole my computer, and with it, all of my pictures and all of my favourite things. The police are doing their best and we’re happy with the measures and steps that have been taken so far, but I can’t help but to feel a little sorry for myself and wonder, why us? Of all the 20 houses on the street, why ours? The Dr. tells me everything happens for a reason and something good will come of this, but I’m having trouble believing this was in our plan.

Tonite I am planning to throw myself a small pity party and then start to pick up the pieces.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Chanel

“Where should one use perfume?” – a young woman asked, “Wherever one wants to be kissed” – Coco Chanel.

Having worn
Coco Chanel for as long as I can remember, I was intrigued by the release of the new N°5 Eau Premiere. Having tried a sample I can say with absolute honesty, it is not your mother’s perfume. It is a sweeter, gentler version of the classic aimed at women who like the classic N
°5 but do not want to smell like their mothers & grandmothers. I am definitely adding a bottle of this parfum to my Christmas – Birthday - Anytime list. Oh and if you are interested, click here to see the new Chanel N°5 commercial featuring Audrey Tautou. It is absolutely breathtaking!
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