Fancy Python Pants

My husband does not like my python pants, he can tolerate them much more than a maxi skirt, but not his favourite look. He says they are loud, I say they are fun. My daughter got a pair of python pants as part of her back to school stash (hers are a sand colouring like my leather python skirt), he was not impressed. My husband is a good sport about me posting his fashion likes and dislikes. We all have our things.

These pants are fun for me, I wanted to dress them up and this blazer is the best way to do it. I figured I may as well use my clothing as much as possible, especially if the pieces are classic and easily intermixed.

When I saw these pictures I didn't like the booties with the outfit. I wanted to try something different. It just cut me all wrong. So I ended up disliking the way I styled the outfit. I should have added a pair of coloured heels or flats.

Liking the outfit even less when I see the above and below picture. Plus when you are taking pictures of yourself you miss things like in the picture below. Can you spot what's wrong?

I changed out the blouse and added lots of pearls and put my pointy Choo's on and I felt all better.

I honestly think you could wear this outfit to work and go out for drinks with friends right after. For me I'll just take my kids to a swimming lesson in this outfit. Or maybe a date night, it's been a while.

One more thing, please vote for me! I am trying to be one of the 25 Top Canadian Mom Bloggers. I am under the tab of pending blogs.

Denim - CJ by Cookie Johnson

Blouse - 1st Judith & Charles (old), 2nd Ann Taylor (old)

 Belts - 1st Tory Burch (old), 2nd Ann Taylor (old)

Necklaces - Gold F 21, Pearls Le Chateau (old)

Booties - Coach (old)

Shoes - Jimmy Choo (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot, The Bay

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)

Python Leather Skirt - OMG Love it!

So yesterday I was telling you how I'm a fancy dresser and this post is how I would dress if I had a fancy job (or what I'll be wearing to functions that call for business attire with my husband, church or Croatian Folklore Banquets). I'm not saying that leather python skirts are appropriate everywhere but let me tell you I would try and make it a staple! If you're afraid of leather J Crew has a very similar pencil skirt in wool (I think) and it's on sale. When I was at Yorkdale Mall they had lots of them. Maybe the python skirt isn't catching on...

I went very neutral with this look, just felt it would showcase the skirt and you'd see the great pattern and texture. This skirt was featured on Cityline and styled by my favourite stylist Lynn Spence, with a black top. When she told me (okay she was telling everyone in television world but I felt she was speaking directly to me) it was on sale I said SOLD! Apparently they are doing a black version for winter (this is the summer version which I think translates great into fall).

I am totally channeling my inner CEO poses. I'm not comfortable taking pictures of myself and do a lot of the same thing so I'm really posing hard in this post.

One thing about leather skirts, make sure they are snug. Leather stretches and if you buy a skirt or pants that are just right, it will stretch until it's just wrong.

The blouse and skirt are manufactured by Canadian companies - Danier and Judith & Charles. So happy to be featuring Canadian brands.

Skirt - Danier

Blouse - Judith & Charles

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Ann Taylor, Stella & Dot

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

Week Of The Python - Let's Start Slow

We all know how print averse I am, but python seems as simple as leopard. For me leopard is a print neutral. Python is also huge this season and I purchased python print pants and I already have a python print blouse and skirt...so this week I'm featuring ways to wear python. After we reach a certain age (and if we add a couple of kids to the mix) we wonder if we're getting too old for some trends. I don't think python is one of them. It's the pieces we buy that will dictate if it is age appropriate or not. If you can't (really I think this is a don't) wear python you could try accessories like shoes, handbags, belts or even jewelry. They will add texture to any outfit and make it a bit more interesting.

Today's post I'm going to feature 3 easy looks - I've paired my python pants with 3 different tops just to show you how easy it is to mix and match with existing pieces. Dressing can be this easy some days.

Denim is coming in all different colours and patterns this fall, just like it did in the summer. Try a dark print or dark colour for an easier transition. It'll be easier to mix and match pieces in your wardrobe if you are not too adventurous in your clothing choices. Plus darker patterns and colours hides problem areas better.

This is a basic cashmere sweater, so I can easily wear this into the winter months. Throw on a pair of boots and I am golden, and warm.

I've become a tucker, so this shirt quickly got tucked into my pants. I'm sure it would look just as great untucked...if not better. Sorry for matching the shoes to my belt, unintentional Tory love. Plus I was too lazy to re-take it by switching the belt out for something else. I'm only human, not Superwoman.

Denim - CJ by Cookie Johnson

Belt & Shoes - Tory Burch (old)

Bracelet - Stella & Dot

Watch - Michael Kors

Black Sweater - Ann Taylor (old)

Grey Sweater - Costco (old)

Chambray Shirt - Banana Republic (old)

Seeing Double - From School Gate Style

I want to have everything on my blog so I am posting my content from School Gate Style. If you haven't already go say hi to Avril and just tell her Iva sent you. Sorry to disappoint, not a new post!

Meet Iva – Blog Swap with One Chic Mom

Hi everyone, I’m Iva (pronounced Eva) from One Chic Mom and I’m very excited that Avril and I are trading spaces for this blog swap. I am a stay at home mom who lives in Toronto with my husband Ivan (no not a typo) and our four children (some will say I’m brave others will say I’m crazy, you’re both right) who blogs about mom fashion in my spare time. My wardrobe is a mixed bag, like me; there are affordable pieces with splurge items sprinkled around. The one thing I know about myself is that when I put some effort into my appearance I automatically feel better  – and the outside world responds as well.

I’m putting my best foot, outfit and face forward for today’s post and featuring what I wore to TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival. I was lucky enough to be able to see a few movies and what I’ve noticed about moviegoers at this festival is they are putting their fashion on.

I wanted to wear something fun and sparkly – the stars were in town – but I was taking the subway downtown and theatres tend to be cool so I knew I was wearing a blazer. I get cold easily. My colour scheme quickly became white, black and gold. Basic and easy, however, it is classic and fashionable.

Accessories simply became about the arm candy. With a sequence tank I didn’t want to wear a necklace that would compete with it. People routinely ask me about mixing metallics – you can do it because they are neutrals. I tend to wear lots of gold, then I throw in a few pieces that are either silver or rose gold or a dark gun metal (like in the picture below) to break up the yellow. One of my favourite purchases has to be the Stella & Dot bracelet. Thanks Mirjana!

This outfit could easily be worn out for dinner and drinks or out to the club…not that I remember the club but I’m pretty sure you can wear this…

Blazer – Cassis (old)

Tank – Joe Fresh

Denim – Second Skin Denim

Bracelets – Stella & Dot, Ann Taylor, The Bay

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

My every day style is not as flashy and if you follow me on my blog you’ll see that I’m much more casual in my every day. Hope I’ve inspired you next time you’re going out for a fun night.

Thank you to Avril for making this blog swap happen now get over to One Chic Mom to see what Avril is wearing!

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

Blog Swap - Meet Avril

Meet Avril – Blog Swap with School Gate Style

When I first started blogging I googled “Mom Fashion Blogs” and stumbled across an article from the Daily Mail featuring Mom fashion bloggers. I was introduced to several wonderful blogs and became a follower of School Gate Style written by the fantastic Avril. Fast forward nine months later and Avril approached ME to do a blog swap. I quickly jumped at the opportunity to trade spaces! With a fantastic sense of style and mother of three many of us can relate to Avril as she decides what to wear for School Gate Style.

It’s Avril here from School Gate Style and I’m so excited to be swapping with Iva for today’s blog post. I’m a stay at home mum of 3 and personal style blogger from Belfast, Northern Ireland who owns way too many clothes and shoes (but don’t tell my husband I admitted to that!).

My blog features stylish (hopefully) and affordable (definitely) outfits for busy mums on the school run, or in this instance, when heading on a casual night out. I realise this makes me look like I’ve got an amazing social life – I don’t! But if you’re showing yourself off to another blog audience, you need to scrub up a bit I reckon!

Today’s outfit is one I wore to the launch in Dublin of Marks & Spencer’s Autumn Winter Collection last week. I travelled to Dublin with some journalists and bloggers. While I wanted to look smart for the event, I had to think practicalities – a long car journey, a cool day and some pesky kids who didn’t leave me in peace to get ready!

So, time pressures meant I ended up wearing the Diesel jeans I’d had on all day. I dressed them up with an ASOS black blazer, a Zara white top (similar here), a New Look necklace and my favourite Marks & Spencer Autograph purple suede heels.

This black blazer has been a great investment buy. I wear it so frequently. To events, on nights out and it’s great to smarten up a daytime outfit. The broader shoulders and nipped in waist are perfect for flattering a pear shape figure.

Loved this necklace as soon as I saw it – it’s a good one for brightening up an outfit like this and there’s a bit of purple to pick up on the shoe colour.

Did I mention I got these leather Autograph shoes for £5 ($5 USD/$8 CAD)(similar here)! They were reduced from about £50! Bargainous!! You’ll find lots of bargains on my blog as my clothes budget is waaaay to small for my liking <sob>

I hope you like my Night Out Style….a little different from my usual School Gate Style but if you follow my blog, you can check out more of that each day. Thank you to Iva for allowing me to take over her blog for the day. Now get yourself over to School Gate Style to see what Iva’s wearing!

Avril x

Avril and I will be hooking up with the Transatlantic Blonde for WIWW. Enjoy!