Merry Christmas!

Yes you all want new posts, and I have been slacking. Big time. So this was my Christmas day outfit c/o my sister! I received this Gap top for my birthday and had to use asap!


I dunno what's up woth this angle but my head looks huge, major bobble head!

Cardigan Club Monaco; blouse Gap; jeans J Brand; belt Club Monaco; boots Winners (Hilary Radley).

You guessed it my favourite colour, I just can't get enough! I feel so American prepster!

Closet Expansion : B Day Surprise!

Top Onze; necklace Forever 21; jeans Gap; booties DSW (Naturalizer).

My mom always cooks for me on my birthday, which makes me very happy! But it also means I miss out on a nice dinner out so this year (the big 3-oh argh!), hubby decided to take me out prematurely. He had me guessing til the end, but I was surprised by a table full of friends! (You are the best, Hubby, even if you won't wait in line at La Senza!)

Anyway he took me to the most wonderful pintxo place (basque tapas) appropriately called Pintxo. We had the chef's choice selection of pintxos paired with a flight of wines (there were two selections). I would call it Canadian-Basque fusion, there were two game courses (elk and venison), an Alaskan cod course (my favourite of the evening, and yes I know Alaska is not in Canada) and a salmon course and they seemed to have an emphasis on using ingredients with known origins and some of the wines were organic. The service was attentive and the staff was friendly and approachable.

I had such a great evening and hubby then surprised me at home with an early Bday present, the first item I can check off my wish list!



I also got this little lovely I'm really enjoying right now! Thanks friends!



The girlfriends got the most perfect gift for a shopoholic, a gift card, can't wait!

30 for 30 Mashup

Closet Lust : Handbag

I've already discussed a certain unattainable bag; well I stumbled across this one on my first day of shopping and how cute is it? I love that it reminds me of a certain quilted turn-lock bag without mimicking it so much as to be considered a knockoff.



via FCUK

Is it too late to add to my wish list? Dear Santa, I've been a very good girl this year!

First day of the rest of my life

30 for 30 is over! I'm sorry that I wasn't so diligent about posting all my outfits. My photog is pretty reluctant at times. I feel majorly relieved but I still want to wear some of the items in the 30 which I guess is a testament to my selection. But I am very glad I can keep shopping the (rather extensive) closet. I never wore my grey brogues because it got too cold but this last week I had to add some very practical non aesthetic winter boots and I had my one cheat day (where I bought tights and wore items not included in the 30 for my Christmas party), overall not bad.

So this is my second holiday party outfit (for hubby's corporate party).







Cashmere cardigan Club Monaco; clutch Matt and Nat; top Banana Republic; skirt Jacob Fall/Winter 2010; belt Winners (Steve Madden); lace tights 'vintage' from my mom's drawer (new in package! thanks mom); shoes Nine West.

Hubby helped me with my selection of pieces to go with the skirt which I totally fell in love with (see previous post). But in the end I should have maybe worn solid tights. I don't know if I looked a bit harlot-ty with the lace tights. He picked the black top and I thought it'd be too drab with solid black tights but I really wanted to try out this red lipstick so burgundy tights would've maybe clashed (overthinking it much?).

What do you think about the lipstick? That's really out of the box for me! Now that I'm getting used to it though I'm thinking of investing in a better shade (not sure if this is really the shade of red for me but it was on special at the drug store and worth it to experiment).

Holiday Giveaway from Rose à la Mode

Check out this awesome giveaway at one of my favourite stores Anthropologie.

This is my favourite item, out of 5!



Happy Holidays!

Holiday Closet Lust : Velvet

It's doesn't take a genius to know velvet is great during the holidays and especially for those dressier occasions. I've spied a black velvet pleated mini that looks very luxurious and would be perfect for my hubby's Christmas party this Saturday, my first day of freedom. Don't fuss I haven't bought it, I'm still getting over my guilt of my supermarket tights purchase.

I know velvet is not for everyone. It can look cheap easily. A colleague told me that when red clothing is worn right it can look like a million bucks but 80% of the red being worn looks cheap. I feel the same way about velvet, it's more often cheap than not.

Anyhoo, here are a few items I love. A great silver crushed velvet jacket (EEK I know love crushed velvet?) with pleating. Compared to the many structured tux velvet jacket out there I love the femininity of this one. Great to cover your lbd, or even over jeans and a hot black top for going out.



via Anthropologie

For a more casual look how about these black velvet straight pants. The idea is really to wear them like jeans, but add a sequin top and you're ready for night.



via Banana Republic

If you want just a hint of velvet, I love this headband. Question of the day, is there an age limit on this bow headband trend?



via Anthropologie

And let's not forget the gentlemen in our lives? I love a velvet smoking jacket with jeans or with dress pants. I love this navy number on my Canadian cutie.



similar one at J Crew

Hope you're having fun dressing up for your holiday events!

Closet Lust : Footwear

Speaking of which (re: Kalila's comment) I am totally lusting after these perfect leopard print pumps and am really hoping to get them Boxing Day this year.



via Zara

How perfect are they? Let me count the ways. Heel height, perfect; closed-toe, perfect (for my climate); print, perfect; texture, perfect. I heart, I want, I need.

I also saw this almost perfect pair at Banana Republic (can't find them but basically this model in leopard print). But I feel that by fall I really need to cover up those toes and I just find I'll get that much more out of the pump.

This pump though is calling to me and at a crazy reasonable price, maybe, but it's just too tall. The footwear gods need to keep those platforms to make reasonable shoes taller, not tall enough shoes even taller!



via Banana Republic

And yes I'm totally posting this instead of yesterday's entirely blah outift.

Closet Lust : Uncanny Mustard Yellow

I have fallen for that certain shade of yellow that toes the line of unusual and unflattering. Luckily it really suits me well.

It all started with this cardigan from Gap.



It's no longer available. I lusted it after it for a while and ended up grabbing it on sale in a medium, which is not my size but suits this boxy style well. I loved this shade for fall because it's unexpected but so right. I was wearing it every other day and got so many compliments. It's not exactly an inconspicuous colour so I had to force myself not to wear it too much and it is part of the reason I didn't include it in my 30 for 30. See how Extra Petite styles it.

Then I saw a merino wool cardigan with pockets at Gap today (shopping for anyone but myself of course!), in that most ubiquitous shade. I have a soft spot for merino, and an even softer spot for this colour.

Then, after stumbling upon this website (an instant favourite) featuring this Madewell cardigan, I'm officially adding the Gap version to my wish list.



via Madewell

I can't find it on Gap online but check in stores.

So, can a girl have too much mustard in her wardrobe? What do you think about this colour and how it would translate to spring and summer?

Happy holiday shopping!

Day 24 : My Chrism-ukkah

This is my take 2 for the burgundy tights, I really should have made an effort to buy them before the 30 for 30 started, it would've really helped my outfit boredom.



Jacket Danier; cardigan Gap; belt Banana Republic; dress Club Monaco; tights Joe Fresh; purse Gerard Darel; booties DSW (Naturalizer).

Hubby's dad is jewish so we get the best of both worlds! And it means a lot of eating in December!

Question of the day, is it gross to wear the same tights two days in a row (in my defense I only wore them a few hours last night!)?

Day 23 : Party Time (mea culpa)

'What?' you say 'But this dress is not in your 30 items!'. True but how could I have guessed that my Christmas party be in my 30 days! Do you forgive my misstep?

My photog was out having his own party (when I picked him up on my way home, I told him stories about the night's event he doesn't remember this morning!) so the pics aren't great.

So here is my party outfit. I thought a black dress was a bit blah so I really wanted coloured tights and went for these opaque burgundy ones (which I bought at the supermarket does that count as shopping?). I felt very avant-garde to be wearing tights with open toe shoes... but I bit the bullet because I really wanted to wear those shoes! What do you think?






(ugh my calf looks horribly HUGE at this angle!)

Dress Banana Republic (hemmed); tights Joe Fresh; shoes Nine West (similar here or closed-toe alternative).

I really love these shoes because the heel is reasonable AND there's a platform in the front. The tights from Joe Fresh come in a bunch of lovely colours, two tones of grey, purple, burgundy, olive, navy, brown,... and they were nice and opaque and were comfortable did not slide down.

My next party is the first day AFTER 30 for 30, so I will be safely within the rules!

Day 22 : Reckoning

Today is reckoning because one of my bozos is about to get it!

I wasn't sure about the cardi/dress combo the colours seem a bit a bland, but I got some compliments... I last wore this dress without tying the bow, but I feel very grown up with the bow!





Coat Maxstudio; cardigan J Crew; dress Club Monaco; tights Winners; Boots Winners; belt hubby's closet I think it's American Eagle.

Tomorrow is my work Christmas party, and around the parts where I work apparently people get their hair done and stuff! Anyways keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow!

Day 21 : B-day dinner

It was my mother-in-law's birthday today and we had the chance to go out to a byow (bring your our wine) restaurant La Trattoria.



Raincoat Bedo; hat Club Monaco; cardigan Club Monaco; silk print top Banana Republic; necklace Gap; double knit legging Jacob; booties DSW (Naturalizer).

Check out the birthday cake we made for her from my favourite local food celebrity Ricardo.



Cheers!

Fashion Giveaway

In case some of you were interested the Lanvin for H&M dropped this past weekend and a fellow blogger is offering a giveaway of these lovely earrings.



See details here.

DAY 18 : Tutor threadz

Sunday I tutor an acquaintance at the municipal library. I've been tutoring this student since before I started my Education degree, so it's kinda nice to still see her now that I'm a teacher!

Sooo I kinda recycled my Thursday outfit which you didn't see. I was going to title that post Black and Brown. Should this be a debate or is it ok to pair black and brown? Unfortch the pic doesn't show it well, I'm wearing black jeans and the stripey brown cardigan with my brown wedge boots. I've never been a fan of this colour pairing, and this was more a result of desperation on Thursday morning but I've warmed to the idea, what do you think?



Jacket Maxstudio; cardigan boutique in Old Pasadena; jeans Gap; boots Winners; purse from Florence; awesome headband DIY.

Also after looking at yesterday's post I remade the bow on my DIY headband smaller. At first I thought it was the wool that was too thick making the bow stand up, but it was evident the bow was just too big when I compared the original photo with my own.

Happy studying!

Closet Aside : DIY Ear Warmer Bow Headband

After some intense shopping on asos on my day off I stumbled upon this and thought 'I can make that!'





What do you think?

I really don't have an interesting outfit today we did some holiday shopping, and I resisted! Hubby did get me some prezzies though!

So I thought I'd share with you my holiday nail polish shade. For Fall I've been going nuts for the second year in a row for my Metro Chic from Sephora by OPI. I have a shimmery gold that would make a nice holiday colour, but this is Chick Flick Cherry from OPI, I thought it was a bit dark at first I had wanted a classic red, but it's really growing on me and against white and black it really pops.



Actually it looks pretty bright in the pic and I have to say my manicure skillz are getting seriously bad (in the wickedest way)!

Closet Lust: Birthday Wish List

I've been wanting a certain iconic quilted bag, obviously waaay out of my price range. What do you gals think of getting an inspiration? I kinda love this one which also reminds me of Philip Lim's Edie. I also love the convertible straps, even the red one attracts me!



via Onze

By the way I love this Montreal boutique featuring local products and a various price range. They have the best accessories and have great Christmas presents options at various prices and have a promotion right now 10%, 20% or 30% off if you buy 1, 2 or 3 items. Two is easy with the affordable accessories!

This sweater makes me want to snuggle down with some hot cocoa and do nothing. Please, more.



via Gap

Lastly I had found the most perfect inspiration of this Kenneth Jay Lane ring (which I didn't know at the time) and for the life of me I can't find it again!



I've found the perfect pyramid earrings and just want a statement ring to go with it, although I usually don't really like sets...

Day 14 : Hump Day

This week is really blizzing by... in a good way, except it's my last ped day (this Friday) until Christmas! I'm sorry the outfits have been lacking, Tuesdays are full days for me.



Jacket Triple 5 Soul similar here; Cardigan Gap; Tunic Banana Republic; Legging Jacob; Boots Winners.

And just an bonus feast your eyes on these!



the recipe is here

Hubby and I are about to dig in!

Closet Aside : Autumn in a muffin

So not quite what you were thinking of but I have no photog tonight and trust me the auto-portrait skillz are bad (in the regular bad way). So to distract I want to share my favourite autumn recipe. It's adapted from a friend's recipe for which I do not have the source for, original ingredients and measurements in ().

apple walnut muffins



3/4 cup multigrain (whole wheat) flour
1/2 cup all-purpose (spelt) flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
3/4 cup (1 cup) brown sugar
1/2 cup (plus 3 tbsps vegetable oil)
1 1/4 (1) cup applesauce
(1 cup pecans or walnuts) I top each muffin with a walnut half

(Heat oven to 400F.) I've used this temp but did 350F for 25 min.

Stir together flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Whisk together eggs and brown sugar until well combined, then add oil, a littel at a time, whisking until mixture is creamy. Stir in applesauce, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened. Do not overmix. Stir in nuts.

Bake ~20 minutes.

As you can tell I try to healtherize them I even added a couple tablespoonfuls of bran. I love them for a quick breakfast.

Enjoy!

Day 11 : Dinner with the In-laws

I do actually really like my in-laws, but I was being rushed and this coat bought one size too big at Off Saks makes me look square so I was trying to give myself a shape! This is as much smile as hubby could get out of me...



Coat MICHAEL Michael Kors; Purse MICHAEL Michael Kors; Cardi J Crew; Cords True Religion; Boots Winners.

Closet Lust : Christmas List

No shopping has made me go on an online shopping frenzy, does that count? Is it wrong to window shop? Is it more the act of buying that's not allowed?

Either way, this may illustrate the point of the remixing exercise although I am wildly looking forward to shopping the rest of my closet!

These textured tights in a lovely wine hue would surely add character, texture and colour to any outfit!



via Gap

I've been wanting a double duty purse with short handles and a cross-body strap for a while and when I treated myself in Paris this summer that was the only thing missing from my coveted 24 heures from Gerard Darel, but this lovely purse from J. Crew would fit the bill, it does have a Marc Jacobs feel to it with the turnlock.

I would also love to have a pair of pleated high waisted cropped pants. Sounds like an atrocity I know, but I really love the androgyny of this style, I'm just not sure for footwear in my cold climate.



via Zara

Zara does offer a nice array of footwear too, at the beginning of the season I was really gunning for oxfords or motorcycle boots, and I ended up with a lovely pair of conservative and very useful booties, but I will watching for a few of these to go on sale!
























via Zara
here and here

I tried on the strappy ones and am a bit concerned about comfort but at a reasonable price I wouldn't say no, a nice reasonable alternative to Vivienne Westwood's iconic pirate boots. My colleague came to work wearing the oxford booties and told me she found them quite comfortable.

TBC, because obviously the closet lust never ends.