A Twist

When I like something (like my sequin Joe Fresh top & blue button down combo) I will automatically try and play with those piece to make multiple outfits. I know I'm not the only one who does that, I can't be. I changed out the pants ant blazer and played with colour this post -last years purple jeans and a navy blazer. I've been doing lots of blazer and denim posts. One more for tomorrow and I promise I plan on mixing it up next week and hopefully the week after.

I am joining "Transatlantic Blonde" in her weekly blog hop - WIWW, enjoy!

Sequin Top , Button Down & Scarf - Joe Fresh (old)

Blazer - J Crew (old)

Jeans - J Brand(old)

Shoes - Cole Haan (old)

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Cocoa Jewelry, Stella & Dot

Daytime Sequin

I am a huge fan of Pinterest, it is one of my favourite things to mine. I can get home decor ideas or plan a kids birthday party. Pinterest is my favourite inspirational tool. My favourite pinner right now is Sarah Hubert from Sarah Hubert's Style - a lifestyle blog. Sarah recently gave me a blog award and I will be honouring her (I also won another Liebster award from Natalie, blogger over at Peg City Lovely) and answering all her questions at the end of this week.

It never ceases to amaze me how many outfits pins there are on Pinterest, moreover because they are pinned by real women I can re-create the look or be challenged  by the look and interpret it in my own way. I love Vogue editorial fashion, but it's not for my everyday, more my fantasy world. Pinterest is the everywoman's piece of the cyber universe.

I have a white Joe Fresh sequin long sleeve top that I usually wear out to dinner or drinks. I saw a daytime sequin look on Pinterest and was inspired to replicate it and actually wear it. I went grocery shopping, dropped off dry cleaning and hit Costco wearing a top I bought just for the evening. The older I get the more balls (yeah I just wrote that) I have. I don't care what the mean girls say about me (they exist at every age and social class), I'm wearing sequence during the day...plus I'm six feet tall and now know how to use my height for intimidation...no longer the tall geeky nerd in the corner.

Tried to take pictures in a different spot...not too sure about this...

I love this spiked gold and pave bracelet from Cocoa Jewelery. It is available at select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty bars. It is pliable so does not get in the way when you are wearing it, so that means I didn't stab myself or my child. Call your local Shoppers to see if Cocoa Jewelry is available there, this will save you time and frustration if you are not sure.

Jacket, Shirt, Top - Joe Fresh (old)

Jeans - Yoga Jeans, Second Denim Co.

Shoes - Tory Burch (old)

Bag - Fendi (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot, Cocoa Jewelry

A Hat

Today's post is a big fat cheat. I already wore this outfit here (so if you remember this outfit you are not going crazy), then I remembered I wanted to take a picture of me wearing the hat. I re-shot the pictures with different jewelry and the hat.

I love hats, I just don't wear them because I'm a big scaredy cat. I have no qualms about wearing leather pants or a python skirt, but give me a hat and I'm all nervous. It's just a thing I have. I can't be the only one with a thing.

Before I leave you here are they lyrics that are in my head today...Fancy by my man Drake. Toronto native, love him.

"Go
go ‘head
go go go ‘head
go go go go go go ‘head
go go go go go go ‘head
oh you fancy huh
oh you fancy huh
oh you fancy huh
oh you fancy huh

Nail done, hair done, every thing done
nails done, hair done, everything d…
oh you fancy huh
oh you fancy huh
you you fancy huh
oh you fancy huh

Nail done, hair done, every thing done
nails done, hair done, everything d…
oh you fancy huh"

Yup that's me.

Linking up with WIWW. Click on the badge to your right to see what others are wearing.

Hat & Tunic - Joe Fresh

Jeans - Yoga Jeans

Shoes - Steve Madden (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot, Ann Taylor

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Cheap and Cheerful - Joe Fresh

This was not planned, I just ended up wearing all Joe Fresh. Don't have to spend a million bucks to look it. I don't have time to yammer on like usual, this weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving and I'm hosting and I have not even begun my food shopping. No judgements here, I'm playing my "I have four kids" card. To my fellow Canadians have an amazing weekend full of family, friends and food. To everyone else have a great weekend.

I am very excited because I'm #11!

Blazer (old), Silk Blouse, Jeans - Joe Fresh

Shoes - Tory Burch

Necklace - Banana Republic

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - Stella & Dot

One more thing...I still need your votes. I made it through to the top 15 and I'd like to try and stay in the top 15. If you can please vote by clicking here or on the badge that says Circle of Moms. Last time I checked I was #11, you can vote once every 24 hrs. Once the voting is done I will stop posting this annoying message. Thanks!

Black White & Leopard

I have been feeling wardrobe blah. I am not saying I have nothing to wear. I'm just overwhelmed, underwhelmed, don't know where to start lately type of mood. When I feel this way I just stick with something simple - black bottom, white top and a pair of leopard shoes. Clean and classic, better than blah and lost. My skinny Yoga Jeans have become a staple and honestly my go to piece. I don't understand why I hadn't found this company sooner. What's important is that I know about Yoga Jeans now and so do you. 

Plus, I swear my youngest son lost the remote control for my camera. One second I had it, the other second it was gone. I know the thing doesn't have legs so it didn't walk off. I swear I'll find it in a shoe or lodged in my pantry somewhere but I'll have purchased a new one because I've ripped through my house and not found it. Yeah!

This white tunic is great with skinnies or a slight boot cut pant. I'm not a fan of tunics with skirts, or slouchy pleated pants. A tunic, untucked, with a skirt does not have the right symmetry and "beauty" is simply about symmetry. With slouchy pleated pants the tunic has too much bulk in the mid-section. When is bulk in the mid-section ever attractive?

Here I am asking you to vote for me again...sorry...you're allowed to vote for me once every 24 hours. I am trying to become one of the top 25 Canadian Blogs on Circle of Moms. Any votes are appreciated and you can just click here to vote for me.

Top - Joe Fresh

Jeans - Yoga Jeans
Shoes - Steve Madden (old)
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Bracelets & Watch - Links of London (old)

All Dressed Up In Python

Since I'm a fancy dresser I will be dressing up my python pieces because that's just what I like to do. Here are the first two looks.

I am literally sinking into the ground in these heels.

First Look:

Blazer - Banana Republic (old)

Black Jeans - Second Denim Co.

Blouse - Joe Fresh

Shoes Jimmy Choo

Second Look:

Top - Ann Taylor (old)

Jeans - CJ by Cookie Johnson

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Bracelets - The Bay, Ann Taylor (old)

A Python Blouse

I got this blouse from Joe Fresh. It was a gift, very much appreciated, except it stayed in my closet the entire summer because I forgot about it. When I finally remembered to find it I wore it when I took the kids to their swimming lessons. Honestly ladies, where else am I going to wear it? Meaning I love the blouse but my social/work schedule is not very varied. I was talking to my friend Jen (during the lesson) and trying to tell her how casual I was that day...she looked at me (not believing a word) and said "Iva you're always fancy". I'm a fancy dresser, even when I try and do casual. I just am.  Even in my Lululemons I don't look as casual and relaxed as the woman next to me (or so I've been told, I don't even now how I accomplish that).

So here's me all fancy wearing my python blouse and my favourite black jeans...

In honour of all the amazing coloured denim that is out there I also decided to pair this blouse with blue jeans. Any burgundy denim would be just as pretty.

My tall girls know that right now I am sporting the TALL GIRL CROP. This happens when regular jeans are not long enough and sort of look funny at the bottom so you cuff them to make them look normal on you and they automatically end up cropped. Even though the pants weren't meant to be cropped. The sales girl will also add that with a boot you'll look normal. Cannot wait to solve this problem when I receive my coloured Yoga Jeans.

Blouse & Blue Denim - Joe Fresh

Black Jeans - Second Denim Co.

Red Belt - Cassis (old)

Black Belt - Ann Taylor (old)

Flats - Tory Burch (old)

Heels - Jimmy Choo

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Gold Ring - Coco's Jewellry

Still Green - But Trying to be Sexy

You know how some men collect t-shirts, women shoes or handbags? Well I collect blazers. It started out accidentally, I fell in love with a store called Cassis and they had great and affordable blazers. So I purchased a few, then I got some from Joe Fresh, Banana Republic, Tall Girl, J Crew and then the big times: my Smythe Blazer. It just snowballed! I am done with them (and all clothing) for now because I blew through my fall budget (and winter really) and am on financial lock down, I digress. Anyway, last year I purchased my most fun blazer - a leopard print blazer from La Femme De Carriere. This blazer is a fantastic rendition of what Dolce & Gabana did last year. I just had to have it. Like I said yesterday Leopard is like the animal print neutral for me. I don't consider it a pattern.

When I was finished taking my pictures (re-taking really) I was thinking of what else would go with this blouse and how Kristina (from Kiki's Parlour, lijepotica moja) was telling me to be bolder. So I said "I know how to be bold" and ran inside to add a few things.

Ta da!

I am so trying to smile with my eyes and look all smouldering. Taking pictures at the side of your house while your neighbours are walking by can be a bit strange.

Like I was saying yesterday - emerald and leopard combined can do no wrong. Plus if you are going somewhere after work and you want to add some fun I think this is an easy quick change. I think this blazer will be with me for a while. I may not wear it for a few years but I'm hoping to pull it out every so often. I love the exaggerated shoulder. This is the only thing that may date this piece. The piping detail is just a great touch.

Blazer - La Femme de Carriere (old)

Blouse - Joe Fresh

Denim - Second Denim Co.

Belt - Cassis (old)

Shoes - Jimmy Choo (old)

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Green With Envy

This is the final shot of this outfit...I had to re-take the photos because I was not paying attention to the details.

I'll start with all the good things about this final outfit.

I love this green blouse. I purchased it a Joe Fresh so it's not going to break the bank and because it's loose I can eat whatever I want and have no worries about pulling. I added a red belt (it could have been a Christmas special if I wasn't careful) and liked the end result. This blouse can be worn with blue jeans or navy slacks, I would even pair it with grey. You could also switch out the belt for a multitude of colours.

Then there are the black denim skinnies. I have not purchased black jeans in decades, yes decades. I've been trying to find the right pair with no luck and then I was in Carriage Trade and Kathleen and Kit recommended the Second Denim black skinnies. LIFE CHANGING! First ladies you need to go down a size (some will go down two) because of the four way stretch. For yoga enthusiasts you literally can do any pose you want in these jeans. I just want to run around with my kids and look good (I have much lower standards). Then the rise is higher, so no overhang in front or in back. Sit down and don't worry about anything showing. Lastly, for all my tall ladies out there the inseam is 35 full inches. Do you see how it gathers at my ankle, when was the last time skinny jeans did that on you? It'll happen every time you wear Second Denim (for those six feet and under)!! Annie this ones for you. One more thing Second Denim Co. is a Canadian company!

Back to what I did wrong yesterday... when I started taking photos of me in this blouse I didn't pay attention to details.

You'll say Iva the head shot you took the day before looks fine...nothing wrong with yesterdays photos...

The blouse is wrinkled and I am not wearing the right undergarments. When you want women to trust your opinion on what to put on their bodies you should at least steam your blouse and put on the right bra. This is the least offensive of the photos (hence why I used a side shot of the close up). Ladies wear the right bra, padding is important with most blouses.

Again nothing wrong with the side shot but you want to see the front of the blouse. What I did right is pairing it with leopard print shoes. Leopard and red can do no wrong for me. Many women are afraid of red, if so try this emerald green and pair it with leopard accessories - shoes, handbags or cuffs. It looks great and on trend without trying too hard. 

So the next day I steamed my blouse and put on my black jeans and re-shot the pictures. The outfit looks okay with the blouse untucked but when I tucked it into the jeans I really liked the result. 

Blouse - Joe Fresh

Jeans - Second Denim Co.

Shoes - black Tory Burch (old), leopard Steve Madden (old)

Belt - Cassis (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Quick, Dirty and Lazy Post

Now that I have your attention...when I was talking pictures yesterday I decided to switch out the jeans and add a maxi skirt. My husband hates maxi skirts so I try not to wear them around him. Not because I value his fashion opinion but because I don't want to hear him complain about what I'm wearing. I pick my battles and win the wars.

Only one picture - quick, dirty and lazy!

Blazer - Zara

T-Shirt - Joe Fresh

Skirt - Denise & Co. (old)

Flip Flops - tkees (old)

Necklace & Bracelet - Stella & Dot

Watch - Michael Kors (old)

Red White and Blue Part 2 - The Flip

I don't know what this says about me, too many blazers and coloured denim? Is that even possible? Don't ask my husband or kum Nick or even Dan (insert almost any other male in place of the ones I've chosen).

On a personal note, unfortunately I am not able to be at two places at once (when is this going to be possible?), therefore, I am going to miss Tina's wedding (one of THE weddings of the year). I just wanted to wish Tina and Cam all the best on Saturday and I hope they have a great wedding and an even better marriage.

Blazer - J Crew

T-Shirt & Denim - Joe Fresh

Necklace - Banana Republic

Belt - Cassis (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Handbag - Coach

Shoes - Cole Haan

Hoboken I Love You

These pictures were taken in May while I was in Hoboken for my sister-in-law's bridal shower. Now, we have rain in Toronto so this outfit would be great for the evening, take the blazer off and you're fine for the day.

Love the nautical trend!

Mother & Daughter show off matching Joe Fresh striped tops and both are wearing skinny jeans...it's in the DNA.

I don't think I look like a tourist...until I start wandering aimlessly through the city, then it's a giveaway.

Blazer - J Crew

T-Shirt - Joe Fresh

Jeans - Paige Denim

Shoes - Cole Haan

Necklace - Joe Fresh

Bracelets - Coach, Gifted

Purse - Coach

Denim Tunic

To be completely honest I really would love to buy a Tory Burch tunic, they are my favourite, one day...the first time I wore this tunic (styled exactly the same way) my mother and sister thought it was Tory's. I wish, no this is Joe Fresh at it's best.

Tunic - Joe Fresh (old)

Denim - James Jeans

Wedges - Cole Haan

Necklace - LTS

Watch - Michael Kors

Ring - Bitter Sweet

Mundane Expanded - Quick Change

So I just got back from a 9 day trip to Santiago Chile and Buenos Aires Argentina. I had this post ready to go when I was there but had some technical difficulties so here is the re-post.

This is what I wore when I went for drinks with my sisters. Easy change up, just added accessories and heels. I love a quick change.

Shoes - Boutique 9 (old), Accessories - Joe Fresh, necklace is new

Over the next week or two, I will be posting pictures from my trip, what I wore, ate, products I used etc.

Today I am home and sick!! My two year old does not understand why I can't play with him. Good to be back and in the real world.