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. 

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

Working Girl Wednesdays - Green Dress

A simple green dress from Ann Taylor and a couple of ideas...

Just a few words of caution - firstly wear Spanx because this slinky fabric (95% Polyester and 5% Spandex) is not forgiving and secondly if it is a hot day and you will be perspiring do not wear this dress, it will show everything. Just need to be prepared for this.

A chunky statement necklace is the easiest way to accessorize this dress.

Adding a great blue (I had to pair it with navy) blazer makes it that much more office ready - black, grey or even brown would work as well. You all know how much I love navy...

I decided to try a thick belt with this dress as well and really like how it looks. If I had selected a skinny belt I would have added a chunky necklace for more visual interest.

Dress - Ann Taylor

Blazer - J Crew

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Bracelets - The Bay

Necklace - LTS

Watch - Michael Kors

Belt - BCBG

I am linking up for What I Wore Wednesday again. Feel free to check out some new blogs or re-discover old ones.

Lida Baday - My Final Hurrah

The clock has struck midnight and my last post featuring Carriage Trade is now. It has been great featuring amazing clothing that highlights my best features while hiding others. That is what clothing should do - make us fabulous. I enjoy shopping at Carriage Trade because I am visiting friends who are honest with me and know my figure. They are not there to make the quick sale but build clients for life. That's what retail should be.

For my final post I will be wearing a dress by Lida Baday - a Toronto based fashion designer. Just a quick blurb from her website :

The daughter of a dressmaker, Lida was fascinated by the intricacies of her mother’s work - keenly learning the novel ways in which luxurious materials could be molded and sculpted into simple, yet expressive clothing; pieces in which the interior finishing was as important as the exterior details.

“Simplicity demands great focus on the fit and quality of fabrics, the workmanship and the finishing. That’s what fascinates me most - the technical side of design,” says Baday. “Our attention to detail is meticulous, though in the end the detail itself may be virtually indiscernible.”

Without further adieu dress from Lida Baday...

There is just something about a dress that has pockets.

Thank you Carriage Trade and a special thanks to Kathleen, Kit and Nori (owner and amazing woman).

Dress - Lida Baday

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Neon Pink & Prints - 101st Post!

I wore this outfit to church on Sunday. When we were in church my husband mouthed something to me, I thought it was to complain about the behaviour of our sons, it was "I love what you're wearing".

Mixing neon's or brights can be difficult, the easiest thing to do is to pair them with white or black and I love easy, however, I wanted to try and be creative (difficult) so I decided to mix some neon's together.

There is no bright pink in the blouse but there is neon yellow which goes with the neon pink. Articles of clothing don't need to match but they need to go. If you are having a difficult time with finding complimentary colours I would suggest purchasing a colour wheel, you can buy them at Wal-Mart or Michael's, to make it an easy exercise. The colour wheel is not just for dressing, it helps with home decor, scrap booking, gift wrapping...you get the picture.

Love the sleeve detail.

I'll say it, what is with my hair!?!? Stupid Toronto humidity, but I just couldn't find a better full length shot so you could see the outfit head on.

Yes, a red sole. I got a pair. Why? Because for me no one does a better nude. This was my birthday present to myself. My husband said I'm done buying shoes for a while...I don't know...for now yes...

Blouse - Ann Taylor

Skirt - J Crew

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Forever 21, The Bay