07
Dec 2012

Fashion Friday: Three Shades Of Gray

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Don’t worry. There will be no fantasy prose filled strained erotic metaphors today. Just a few ensembles that are literally shades of gray. Gray is my go-to neutral. I’m almost always looking to inject some sort of colour into my outfits. And while black can be a fantastic option, sometimes it feels very stark in contrast to the bold hues I tend to wear.

Grey has the same drama and versatility as black, but it’s a softer option. It’s also more forgiving if you spill something on yourself. That’s an important consideration for me.

Dress: Two (thrifted). Earrings: Forever 21. Purse: Vintage. Shoes: Aerosoles

I nabbed this mini-frock from a local thrift store at 50% off. Between this and the dress I bought at the vintage show, I’m having a full-fledged fling with pleated hemlines this fall!

Jacket: Jacob. Sweater and Jeans: Old Navy. Boots: Miz Mooz

I used to be afraid of mixing patterns. But that’s silly. The worst possible outcomes are clashing and possibly ugliness. And the best-case scenario might result in a get-up I really like. That was certainly the case here. Houndstooth and argyle: two of my favourite patterns are even better as a pair.  From now on, I’m saving my fear for real threats, like the zombie apocalypse.

 

Tunic: Jedzebel. Earrings: Zahara. Belt: Forever 21. Shoes: John Fluevog

Once again I’m wearing a tunic as a dress. As a dress it’s pretty short, short enough that I might not feel comfortable wearing it with bare legs. But my friend Amanda, who is wise in the way of fashion, reminded me that tights will ground a super-high hemline.

And speaking of Amanda, she’s wearing a dress every day this month to raise money for Save the Children and The Ottawa Snowsuit Fund. Check out her style here!

Categories: 50 Shades of Grey, Fashion, Fashion Friday, Friends Tags: , , , ,
26
Oct 2012

Fashion Friday: Questioning My Style

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I’m still working my way through Sally McGraw’s book, Already Pretty;  thinking about the clothes I wear and their collective contribution to my overall style.

An early part of the process involves answering a long(ish) series of questions about my sartorial likes and dislikes. I won’t subject you to unabridged list of answers  (no one needs to read my mini-essay on jersey knit)  but here are a few select replies to the questions I enjoyed most.

What is your go to outfit?

A dress and heels.

Alternatively, a bathrobe.

 

What styles do you wish you could wear?

Side note:  I think anyone can wear any style they want. My interpretation of this question is “Are there styles/types of clothes that attract you in general yet make you feel less than stellar when you put them on?”

Bohemian chic. I see these people dressed like updated versions of San Francisco flower children. They seem so effortlessly beautiful, comfortable and fresh. Yet whenever I’ve tried to emulate that style, I immediately feel self-conscious and fake – like an actor who’s been miscast.

I’ll continue to admire pastels and pale, floral prints on others but it isn’t a style that works for me.

 

What are you favourite patterns

Stripes. Polka-dots. HOUNDSTOOTH!

 

What styles do you think look horrendous on you?

High-heeled stilettos.

First of all, they distort my walk in a way I don’t enjoy.

Contrary to what one might assume, skinny heels that are higher than about three inches actually make my legs seem shorter. Although the shoe creates a longer overall line, the part that is my actual leg becomes proportionately smaller as the heels get higher. Which wouldn’t be a problem if I wanted my legs to look shorter than they are. But I don’t.

 

Is there an era of fashion you absolutely adore?

Mid-sixties mod. Geometrics and high hemlines FOR THE WIN!

 

What about you? Do you have a go-to outfit or a fashion era that makes you squee? Are they’re types of clothing that you hate or avoid wearing?

Categories: Fashion, Fashion Friday Tags: , , ,
07
Sep 2012

Fashion Friday: Sexy Mama!

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Oh my gosh, you guys! This week The Green Bean went back to school…and shit got real. It’s his first year as a full-day student, which means a new routine of packing lunches and precisely timed morning drop offs. Meanwhile, I’m working on some back-to-school plans of my own…

Those of you who following me on Twitter may have caught me nattering about my plans to start graduate school next year. I like to do my master’s degree in Human Sexuality. I’m giddy thinking about the course I can take and the blog fodder they will generate, but first I’ve gotta ace the application process, which includes writing the GREs – a big, bitch of a standardized test. Given that I haven’t taken an exam in well over a decade, my only hope is to study my ass off for the next few weeks. So my new schedule also involves getting up early for two hours of study before I start work.

To quote advertising copy – I’m a busy mom on the go! And I’m definitely dressing the part. This week has been all about super-easy pieces I can throw on quickly and live in all day.  Fortunately I found a couple of tricks to help me feel fun and sexy in my casual duds.  Here are some of my favourites from the week:

Dress: Target. Earrings and Necklace: Forever 21

This simple cotton Jersey dress is one of the most comfortable items I own. Seriously, it’s like wearing a nightgown! I found it at Target for only $15 and promptly bought two more – one in coral and one in purple. All it needs is a couple pieces of jewelry and it feels like a polished, put-together look.

Top and shorts: Old Navy. Scarf: H&M. Jewelry: Forever 21. Sunglasses and shoes: Joe Fresh.

On a morning that involved reviewing math principles, getting the Green Bean off for his day and two phone meetings,  my outfit strategy for the day began as “Yeah, sure. Whatevs.”  Things calmed down in the afternoon and I could have taken the opportunity to changed entirely, but I decided I’d try to work with what I had. The stripey scarf and some kicky bangles made this yellow striped hoodie feel less schoolyard  and more appropriate for woman on the cusp of turning the 12th prime number!

Hat: Pendant: Gift from my mom. Dress: Banana Republic (via eBay). Shoes: Nine West

Daily hair styling isn’t terribly high on my priority list at the best of times. This week a few swipes of the comb each day is all I’ve managed. Fortunately, there are hats – which reduce the need for fancypants coifing – and are super cute! Once again I’m wearing a dress that might be actually be a top. Being short has it’s privileges.

How has your back-to-school week been? What are your favourite tips for keeping stylish while busy?

Categories: Fashion, Fashion Friday Tags: , ,
17
Aug 2012

Fashion Friday: Fashion Pride-ay Edition!

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Categories: Fashion, Fashion Friday, Queer Tags: , , , ,
03
Aug 2012

Fashion Friday

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If you’re ever invited to a roller disco here’s what you do.

The ORD know derby AND disco!

1. Accept the invitation. You are GOING to that mother! Eff the pyramids or the Internet and whoever invented the wheel. Roller disco is humankind’s crowning achievement because nothing ever has or ever will top the  glowing, glitter ball magnificence  of jiving to Donna Summer on wheels

 

2. Ask yourself the following question. Are you:

a. A sensible human being living in this century?

b. A time-traveller from the 1970s

c) Me.

 

3. If you answered “a” you choose an outfit that is cute, comfortable and most importantly, comtemporary.

4. If you answered “b” or “c” you choose an outfit that is this:

 

 

 

This is what I wore to the roller disco last Saturday. Apparently the dress code has changed a bit since the early 80s, because while the rest of the wheelers were dressed like people from THIS century, I was the lone character in track shorts and leg warmers.

Adorkable on wheels – that’s how I roll!

 

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11
May 2012

Fashion Friday

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This week I feel sexy in…

Earrings: Forever 21. Dress: Zara. Bracelet: Zahara Jewellery. Shoes: Anne Klein

Solids!

In addition to being a colour gal, I’m also a big into the patterns. When Stylin’ Jes did an assesment of my wardrobe, she gently chastised my lack of solid pieces.

She’s right. I have a bit of a problem. But it comes to in-store merchandizing a demure single-colour tee just can’t compare with the excitement of a parrot-palm tree-polka-dotted sundress.

But since my closet consult, I’ve had to admit that Jes has a point. Sometimes when every part of an outfit is bold, nothing stands out. Solids allow showpiece items to shine. So as I shop for new summer pieces, I’m keeping Jes’ constructive criticsm in mind.

 

Earrings and bracelet: Forever 21. Dress: Zara. Clutch: Flock. Shoes: Aerosoles.

Yes, this dress is all one colour but what a colour! tried it on in the store and felt anything but plain. And because it’s relatively simple this frock provides a nice base for some funkier accessories and the balls-out flowery clutch!

 

Earings: Ambiance. Jacket: RW & Co. Dress: Old Navy. Bracelet: I forget! Wallet: Aldo Accesories. Shoes: Chinese Laundry.

I’ve also discovered that solid coloured garments are a great opportunity to incorporate patterned shoes into my wardrobe. For so long I stuck with the standard black, brown, grey and silver for special occasions. Reigning myself in clothing-wise has let me branch out at bit in my footwear.

 

Our house has a wrap around porch. This is the side.  I’ve yet to tend the garden, making it less than ideal for fashion photos. It is however a great spot for other picture-taking shenanigans.

 

 

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20
Apr 2012

Fashion Friday

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This week I feel sexy in…

Cardigan: Smart Set. Earrings: Forever 21. Blouse: Gap. Jeans: Old Navy. Shoes: Anne Klein.

Cardigans!

I know, I know. Cardigans are the wardrobe staple of preppy New England blue bloods and soccer moms. They aren’t SEXY.  But hear me out.

It’s early spring, which in Ottawa means unpredictable temperatures that fluctuate quite a bit from dawn ’til dusk. Cardigans provide a layer of warmth, that can be easily removed as the day warms but they’re a tad more body conscious than a big bulky coat.

Besides, who amongst us doesn’t indulged in a little soccer mom-themed role play?

…

…

Anyway…

I’ve been wanting a yellow cardigan for a dog’s age!  But lately every option I found was too boxy, to heavy or a shade that made me look like I had died.  During our vacation, I made a trip to the local outlet mall where I found this:

Cardigan: Gap Outlet. Scarf: H&M. Necklace: Gifted from my mom. Dress: Old Navy. Leggings: Lululemon. Shoes: Payless.

It’s the perfect shape, the colour works with my skin tone and best of all, it was on sale for a mere $15 bucks. A good cardigan is hard to find, so I picked up a few in different colours.

I dig the look of a belted cardigan. This open front, shawl-style sweater is a perfect candidate, as it’s longer, lighter weight and doesn’t have any buttons or other fastners to get in the way of the belt.

Cardigan: Jacob. Beret: eBay. Belt:Joe Fresh (thrifted). Leggings: Dynamite. Shoes: Payless.

I’m  having spring fling with yellow this year. It’s a more challenging colour for my skin tone than pink, but I am smitten with the hues that invoke images of fresh lemons, buttercups and other summertime things. Will my mellow yellow crush develop into long-term love? Only time will tell.

I’m a big believer in tailoring and bringing my clothes in to be nipped, tucked, hemmed and otherwise adjusted has become standard practice. I’ve never considered bringing an accessory to my tailor…until now. This scarf is lovely, but it’s looong. The wind picks up and suddenly I’m entwined in fabric tentacles!

Categories: Fashion, Fashion Friday Tags: , , , , , ,
30
Mar 2012

Fashion Friday

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This week I’m putting my money where my tagline line is.

Shoes: Chinese Laundry. Sweater: Aerie. Earrings: Forever 21.

Pants off. Shoes ON!

My recent visit to see Lisa, included a marathon of day shopping. We dropped mad cash all over town, but the majority of my greenbacks were spend at the glorious Discount Shoe Warehouse.

“I want ALL the shoes!” I declared upon entering. However, I don’t have ALL the money (and word is they frown on shoplifting down south) so I pared my selection down to three favourites,  all of which are sure to be in heavy rotation this season.

 

I’ve always enjoyed shoes, but it’s only very recently that I’ve ventured away from my usual choice of basic black, grey or token pop-of-colour colour, red. Apparently my typical love of colour and pattern stopped at the ankle. Technicolour footwear intimidated me in the past.   ‘When would I ever wear a shoe like that?’ I’d ask myself.

But there’s a time and a place for splashy footwear.  I’m sure I can figure out how to execute these pretties  And at low, low warehouse prices this seemed like to perfect opportunity to test the waters.

 

I’m also a recent convert to the wedge. At 5’4″ I’m not tiny, but I enjoy having the option of adding another couple of inches to my height if I so choose. Wedges serve both my desire to stand tall and my need for comfort very nicely. It’s come to my attention that some folks have very strong feelings for and against the wedge. Which side of the debate are you on?

FYI, it was my mom who first asked me to do a post featuring my new shoes. Which inspired me to pose pantsless on a table. Guess I know what I’ll be discussing at my next visit to the shrink.

Time to get off the table and onto the couch!

Categories: Family, Fashion, Fashion Friday, Friends Tags: , , , , , ,
23
Mar 2012

Fashion Friday

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This week I feel sexy in…

Earring: Forever 21. T-shirt: Old Navy. Skirt: Land's End. Shoes: Payless

T-shirts and skirts!

I’m ambivalent about the record high temperatures we’ve had in Ottawa this week.  On the one hand, Sun! Warmth! Outdoor activity! But on the other hand, it’s MARCH! It’s not quite right but it feels SO good.

At any rate, I managed to resist the impulse to unpack all of my warm weather clothes. As much as I’d enjoy a two-month head start on summer, I can’t believe these temperatures are going to last.  But I did release my limbs from the confines of long sleeves and tights by struting my stuff in comfy tees and kicky skirts.

You may reconize this skirt as the partner to my beloved Banana Republic coat. Like it’s counterpart, I also found this skirt on eBay.  Who knows what other treasures from this collection I’ll unearth: yellow houndstooth blouse; yellow houndstooth socks; yellow houndstooth underpants?

Shirt: Threadless Tees. Skirt: Banana Republic (via eBay). Shoes: Seychelles.

I bought this denim suit three years ago and promptly broke up the set. I’ve paired both the jacket and the skirt with many items in my wardrobe, but I think this is the first time I’ve ever worn them together.  It doesn’t feature prominently in this photo, but there is a kicky white t-shirt adorned with sequins under the jacket…which I shed early in the day…because HOLY BALLS, the HEAT!

Earrings: Ambiance. Denim Blazer and Skirt: RW & Co. T-shirt: Old Navy. Shoes: T.U.K.

I’m a clumsy gal to be sure, but at least I can stand still and get my picture taken without tripping over my own feet.

Or, you know…not.

Categories: Fashion, Fashion Friday Tags: , , , , , , ,
09
Mar 2012

Fashion Friday

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This week I feel sexy in…

Coat: Suzy Sheir (gifted). Sweater: Thrifted. Jeans: Old Navy. Boots: Miz Mooz.

…Lightweight coats.

My winter parka is warm, cozy and an effective barrier artic winds. It’s also fug-LY. I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m not a winter person. Though my trusty North Face coat is an unsightly blob of thermoregulatory nylon, it allows me to venture outdoors without dying of hypothermia, so I accept this function-over-fashion state of affairs.

This week the mercury did a turbo jump. The past couple of days have been springtime mild. I’m not sucker enough to believe that winter has come to an end…it is Ottawa after all. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’ve taken advantage of this balmy reprieve to trot out some of ligher, sleeker, decidedly sexier outerwear.

Coat: Banana Republic (via eBay). T-shirt: Threadless Ts. Jeans: The Gap. Boots: Miz Mooz

This picture was actually taken a few weeks ago. I was playing around in my closet and got the idea for this ensemble, so I asked The Man of Mans to snap a photo for future reference.  People, the future is now! I resurrected this outfit and wore it this week. The Banana Republic jacket is one of my wardrobe darlings – soon to be featured in it’s own Fashion Friday post.  I can’t wait to get more use out of it as spring progresses.

Coat: Land's End. Tights: Sock Dreams. Shoes: Aerosoles

I’d been hunting for the perfect rain coat for over two years, when I found this snappy number on the Land’s End website last year. It had every element I wanted: trench style; detachable hood; a classic pattern in a super-fun colour.  Needless to say, I snatched it up immediately.  I love, love, LOVE this coat, so much so that I’ve become a fan of wet, rainy days.

Fashion Friday photos are a family affair. The Man of Mans is the photographer, I’m the model and The Green Bean is the stealthy talent waiting for his moment to jump in and steal the show!

Did someone say "Be a tiger!"

Categories: Fashion, Fashion Friday, The Green Bean, The Man of Mans Tags: , , , , ,
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