Tristan Spring 2013 - Colour & Detail

Today's post will feature Tristan's 2013 Spring Line - it's all about colour and detail.

Love what the models are wearing, they were not only pretty but really nice.

I have found a self belt that I can love and use again. Tristan is making me eat my words...good for them.

Florals are still a big trend. The pencil skirt below is what I want from this collection, I love the floral pattern.

This denim skirt has a dainty peplum detail that just makes it special and on trend...maybe I should get this one too...

I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoy all the Christmas parties and festivities. Tis the season!

Tristan Cruise 2013 Preview - Come Sail Away

On Tuesday November 27 I was invited to preview Tristan's Cruise & Spring collection for 2013. The space in the Story's Building featured beautiful clothing that made me feel that spring was here, or at least that I was going on a cruise. Unfortunately neither of these two things is happening any time soon.

Just some quick information on Tristan - "Tristan is a Canadian fashion designer, manufacturer and retailer with stores in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. The brand has been producing classic styles with a modern twist for 40 years. Tristan has taken on the additional goal of striking a balance between being competitive, and socially and economically responsible. It is important to note that Tristan has found a balance between Asian subcontracting and the maintenance/creation of jobs in Canada, thanks to the adoption of a Canadian manufacturing policy. Tristan continues to manufacture 30% of its garments locally"

Today's post I will be focusing on the Cruise line with some of these pieces available at stores today.

The Cruise collection is filled with bold colourful prints and polka dot pieces. The fabric is silky (and slinky) and drapes nicely. The polka dot pattern is very small and understated and works wonderfully with the bolder patterns offered. This collection is well thought out because it allows you to mix these patterns without wondering if everything goes - takes the guess work right out of the equation. Who needs clothing stress when heading on a cruise?

If patterns aren't what you had in mind you can chose from nautical pieces in traditional navy and white with hits of orange. Navy appears to be the basic colour that all other pieces can be paired with. Great tees and tank tops are also available with light knits for cooler nights in mind.

The female model is wearing a beautiful patterned skirt and polka dot top with a metal accent tie around the neck. Loving all the small details in this collection. Shoes are offered as well - loafers or ballet flats in patterns or nautical stripes.

This top can be worn four ways - halter, strapless and tank. Now the fourth way has remained a mystery to me. I'm hoping someone can help me out...

Again the easy pattern play, polka dot trim with the bold patter in the top. The skirt has a great grosgrain ribbon detail along the top and is trimmed with the reverse polka dot pattern. What I didn't show you was the wonderful exposed zipper in back.

My favourite part of the Tristan collection has to be the attention to detail. It's all these small things that make their clothing so wonderful. Next post - Tristan Spring 2013.

All that Sparkles...Is this Sequin Blazer.

It's been a month since the last time I did a post that featured a blazer, for me that may as well be an eternity. Now, if you follow me on Twitter you know about the blazer I am wearing. For those who aren't following me on Twitter...why not? I thought you liked me? Oh you don't have a twitter account? No worries then. For the rest of you really?

Back to my post. I saw this blazer on Cityline and I fell in LOVE (plus I swear Tracy Moore was talking to me and telling me that this blazer was made for me, this happens to me every once in a while during Cityline). A sequin blazer in black...are you kidding me? Where have you been all my life. No, I seriously thought that. I got in my minivan the next day to chase down this blazer...I didn't have to go far because this blazer is from SEARS. Yes Sears. Not only was it from Sears it was $45 because they were having a promotion on Jessica Brand clothing - 50% off! SOLD! Right now the blazer is $54.

Now some will turn up their noses at Sears, I ask why? Shop at Joe Fresh, F21, Old Navy or H&M? I'm sure the quality of this blazer is just as good (I'm guessing a lot better than F21) as any of the retailers I've just mentioned. Plus if I never told you where I bought it you might think BCBG (that's what most people guessed, because I made them). I love the way it sparkles.

This blazer is fully lined, nothing says poor quality more then an unlined blazer.

Love the button placement, the "girls" are locked and loaded. The waist is defined and nicely cinched. When choosing a blazer cut is the most important aspect. If it does not fit you properly DON'T buy the blazer. This cut was perfect for me, shoulders fit, I could move my arms and the length worked.

When I wore this outfit to the Jelena Rozga concert (Croatian singer) I changed out the black shoes and went with my leopard print heels and added a statement necklace. Next time I'm adding pearls, I love pearls and sequin (Lynn Spence and I agree on that). Cannot wait to wear this blazer to Christmas parties and any other holiday festivity.

Blazer - Sears (here)

Coated Denim - Yoga Jeans

Top - Ann Taylor

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

Bracelets - J Crew, Cocoa Jewelry, Stella & Dot

I'm linking up for WIWW with the Transatlantic Blonde. Please click on the badge to your left.

I am excited to tell you that I reviewed Tristan's Cruise and Spring line for 2013, post will be coming in a day or two. It's cold outside, I'm hoping the clothing will give you warm thoughts.

I'm also linking up with Walking with Style & Grace. Come and check out some great blogs!

Hell Just Froze Over...

I'm wearing a poncho and I like it. So yes, hell must have frozen over because I hate ponchos, except for this one. This one is from Banana Republic. It is a beautiful knit, keeps me warm and looks good. That's the thing...it LOOKS GOOD. The people at BR are calling it a cape, it is a proper poncho. Running errands and don't want the bulk of a coat? This is what you should wear. 

Just wanted to show you how it looks against lighter coloured clothing. That's why I love navy blue.

Poncho/Cape - Banana Republic (here)

Turtlenecks - The Gap (here)

Jeans - Yoga Jeans (here)

Chords - J Brand (old)

Booties - The Gap (here)

Shoes - Tory Burch (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - Stella & Dot (here)

Cranberry

With American Thanksgiving weekend officially in full swing and Black Friday sales underway in both countries it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I think I'm ready. 

Dress - Banana Republic

Bracelet - Cocoa Jewelry

Booties - Coach

I'm linking up with Walking With Style and Grace again. Please take a look to find some other fantastic bloggers.

SAM. New York - Modern Outerwear

I love SAM, amazing coats brought to us by the original founders and creators of Andrew Marc. Here is how the website describes this line:

A modern luxury outerwear collection for men and women, designed for the fashion forward consumer. Developed by Andrew Marc Schwartz and Suzanne Schwartz, the founders and original creators of the Andrew Marc brand, SAM. is the first line to be launched by the design duo since selling Andrew Marc in 2004. The SAM. brand contrasts everyday utility with alpine-inspired luxury. Its design features enable the line to facilitate both urban and outdoor lifestyles. The collection, which retails from $295-$1995, includes parkas, bombers, utility coats, and cargo jackets. The range of styles is designed with resilient fabrics and high performance materials.

When I saw this SAM coat at Carriage Trade I fell in love - perfect for Canadian Winters and stylish at the same time. I think I may love winter now...as long as I'm wearing this coat.

The ties around the waist ensure you don't resemble the Michelin Man.

The fur lining is removable, this allows you to wear the coat in fall, winter and spring. 

Coat - SAM

Sweater - Magaschoni

Jeans - Hudson

Handbag - Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Bracelet - Sno of Sweden

Cashmere Weather

Today's outfit is courtesy of Carriage Trade - my favourite boutique in the Kingsway. I love cashmere, it's soft and warm. Not all cashmere is created equal, and just because it's expensive (Velvet) doesn't make it better then affordable cashmere (Costco). Now that being said Magaschoni cashmere is soft, a quality weight and an investment. I am wearing a cashmere Magaschoni cardigan and it is divine. The colours are vibrant and will carry through the years. If you have budgeted for a luxury cashmere sweater I would recommend this brand.

Carriage Trade carries quality cashmere brands (another example is Autumn Cashmere), Nori (the owner) is diligent about bringing quality cashmere pieces to her customers. She and her staff really taught me the difference in cashmere's and I have a much better appreciation because of them.

Sweater - Magaschoni

Jeans - Hudson

Handbag - Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Bracelet - Sno of Sweden

I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for another WIWW. 

And the Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who entered my first giveaway and a special thank you to the people at Second Denim Co. the makers of Yoga Jeans for selecting my blog to host this fantastic giveaway (and providing me with my Merlot skinnies). And the Winner is...

Nathalie Fleitas

I hope you enjoy your Yoga Jeans as much as I enjoy mine. On a sizing note, I would recommend you go down at least one size when purchasing your Yoga Jeans. They have a lot of stretch, however, they maintain their shape.

Today I am doing a final "feature" and showcasing my Merlot jeans in a simplicity I am not known for. No pearls, no fancy. Just a woman and her jeans.

This is my new favourite shirt. It's big and comfy and even wrinkled.

Jeans - Yoga Jeans (find a retailer here)

Shirt - The Gap (here)

Booties - The Gap (here)

Belt - Tory Burch (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot (available here and here)

I'm also linking up with Walking in Grace & Beauty today.

Buffalo Plaid - Perfect Winter Pattern for A Coat

I have a warehouse of black coats. They each have a unique purpose and cover all seasons. BORING! So when my blogging friend Jane (from Toronto Shopaholic) did a post wearing a buffalo plaid coat I was impressed. Then Banana Republic had a sale - 5 items for 50% off and I found my coat. 

This coat is stylish and perfect for this cold weather. No hard try here. I will be taking out the sleeves and moving the buttons a bit. These changes will make this coat perfect, moving the buttons will cinch the waist in and make me look slimmer when wearing it. When trying on a winter coat make sure you try it on with a sweater. While the small size was a nicer silhouette I wouldn't be able to wear a sweater underneath it without pulling a Hulk and ripping the thing to shreds.

I know why black is so popular - it can be worn with many colours. This coat is limiting in that certain coloured denim pieces etc. don't go. Oh well, that's why I have my black coat.

I also like to see how a coat looks when it is open, sounds silly I know. I love the perfect symmetry in this coat when it is open. Looks great. Regular price was $310, with the discount $155. There are lots of deals out there. Banana Republic is having 30% sale today as well. Happy shopping.

Coat - Banana Republic (here)

Jeans - Adriano Goldschmied (old)

Shirt - The Gap (here)

Booties - The Gap (here)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - J Crew, Cocoa Jewelry, Stella and Dot

The winner for my giveaway will be announced here soon. I know lots of you are wondering...

Alison from "The Sticky Kitchen"

I would like to introduce everyone to a friend of mine and food blogger Alison. We met four years ago in Toronto, both of us were part of a mother's group called "MomVet". While Alison has moved to Calgary we still keep in touch. Both of us have recently started blogging about our separate passions - food and fashion.

This is a very special post to the readers of my “Chic” friend Iva.  As the cold weather begins to roll in (already here in Calgary) I invite you to stay warm with my Creamy Chicken Chili.  The recipe is really a meal in a bowl with chicken, white beans, peppers, sweet corn all in a velvety broth with a little heat. 

I started my recipe sharing blog called The Sticky Kitchen earlier this year as I work on a cookbook that is all about cooking with friends.  My hope is that the sticky kitchen recipes will entice you to cook more; include friends and kids in the preparation, which will ultimately increase your enjoyment of healthy foods. 

Make your Creamy Chicken Chili ahead of time and put it in the fridge so the flavours meld together to warm our insides like a nice warm scarf on a cold fall morning. 

Creamy Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 large onion, diced

5 cloves garlic, minced

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

3 cups chicken broth + more if needed

1/2 cup white wine

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon dried cilantro leaves

1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 yellow pepper, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 28 oz can navy beans, rinsed and drained

3 cups corn (fresh or frozen)

2 cups milk

1/3 cup all purpose flour

Optional toppings:  fresh cilantro, shredded cheese like Monterrey jack or old cheddar, diced jalapenos, tomatoes, whatever you like.

Instructions:

1.    Heat your Dutch oven on medium heat, add oil and then onions.  Stir constantly and cook for approximately 3 minutes until onions begin to soften. 

2.    Add in minced garlic and chicken and cook another 5 minutes.

3.    Add chicken broth, wine, spices, peppers, beans and corn and bring to a boil.

4.    Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes. 

5.    In a small bowl whisk together milk and flour and add to chili and continue heating until it begins to thicken.  To insure there are no clumps you can pour mixture through a strainer into your pot. 

6.    Taste and season chili with extra salt and/or cayenne if you like it spicy.  Add additional broth if your chili gets too thick. 

7.    Garnish with favorite toppings just before serving or let your family add their own.    

I would like to thank Alison for sharing such a great recipe with us. Very appropriate for the weather we are having in Toronto today (and for many more to come). I should be ready to unveil my post on Alison's blog so come and see what I'm wearing. If I'm not there you can check later. I'm not going anywhere...except maybe Costco and the outfit is very appropriate.

My giveaway is still on, it closes on the 15th of November. You must "Like" Yoga Jeans on Facebook and comment on a blog post. Easy. Giveaway is open internationally and you chose any Yoga Jeans you fancy. Good Luck!

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Denim Pearls & Patent

A dress - this one is casual and denim. Easy. So I added pearls and a skinny patent belt. I have lots of skinny belt options. I had fun dressing it up a bit. I will be dressing it down in the future, but you know me. I'm fancy.

Just a bit of a rant. This dress came with a skinny denim matching self belt. I have never met a self belt I like. I think they give you the self belt to tell you "Hey you, I need a belt. Here is a really pathetic one. Now go and spend more money on one that is nicer. We could have taken the guess work out of this and given you something nice but we didn't feel like it." The nicer take is "We think you are very creative and this self belt is a place holder. Now have fun and amaze us." It all depends on your mood. Guess where mine is?

My giveaway for Yoga Jeans is still on and here are the rules - You must "Like" Yoga Jeans on Facebook and you must comment on a post. Easy. This is an international giveaway and you can chose whatever jeans you like. I'll say that the giveaway is worth $125 depending on what jeans you pick. Good Luck everyone!

Dress - The Gap (here)

Belt - Cassis (old)

Necklace - Joe Fresh 

Shoes - Coach (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stell & Dot (here and here), Bitter Sweet

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I Love this Sequins Skirt - Not Sure if the Feelings are Mutual

I bought this skirt with my good friend Mary last year. I wanted a casual skirt that was fun, there it was in Ann Taylor. Now as a rule I am a pencil skirt girl. When I put this one on I thought it was too short for me. I didn't want to wear it and couldn't wait to take it off. Mary coaxed me out of the dressing room and told me she liked it. She then proceeded to lecture me on following my own advice and getting out of my comfort zone. Damn teachers.

The thing with this skirt is I can't figure out what else to pair it with. It has an athletic waist band feature (like jogging pants with the pulls) and that is what has me stumped. I'm wearing my most confident smile because I fake it till I make it. The sweater is very nice and looks nice with the skirt but, I don't know... I want to do better than nice. Any suggestions?

Just so you see what the back looks like. I don't care that the grey's don't match.

Here is my rule of thumb if you are wondering if something is too short. Place your hand right down against your leg/thigh, if the skirt is below the tips of your finger it is probably too short. I'm fine, my fingertips are still touching fabric.

I also get asked about mixing metals - you can do it. Metals are all neutrals so have fun. I mixed silver, gold, rose gold and gunmetal in this one. I will not be going to fashion jail for this one.

I am sporting a Shellac manicure. I can't do all the nail art (I'm still having flashbacks from the 80s) that is so popular but having the ring finger a different colour is easy and fun.

Skirt - Ann Taylor (old)

Sweater - The Gap (here)

Tights - Wonder Bra

Booties - Coach (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella and Dot (here and here), Ann Taylor, Joe Fresh, The Bay

My giveaway for Yoga Jeans is still on and here are the rules - You must "Like" Yoga Jeans on Facebook and you must comment on the post. This is an international giveaway and you can chose whatever jeans you like. I'll say that the giveaway is worth $125 depending on what jeans you pick.

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