Monday Morning Cargo's

When these J Brand cargos first came out a few years ago I was smitten with them. Loved the cut and idea of skinny cargos because cargo pants are known to add bulk to our thighs but there was something feminine and sexy at the same time about these. I wore them a lot and then as with most things in our closet I wore them too much and got bored with them. I haven't worn them since the fall, I pulled them out of my closet last week and dressed them up with a basic white tee and a blazer, I was quite happy with the result. 

Cargo Pants, J Brand (old). Blazer, Cassis (old). T-Shirt, The Gap. Shoes, Prada. Belt, Tory Burch (old). Handbag, Louis Vuitton (old). Necklace, Stella & Dot. Bracelets, J Crew, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Watch, Michael Kors (old).

I am joining the YOLO blog hop and Transatlantic Blonde WIWW getting inspiration from other great bloggers.

Fair Isle Fun

I am really enjoying fair isle sweaters, something about me in a ski chalet hanging out. Now I went skiing this year, in February, while I was in Banff. I hadn't skied in 20 years and just got up one morning and decided I would go skiing alone while my husband was in a series of committee meetings. I didn't  really ski, I tumbled down the hill and bruised up my body. After the third attempt (being a parent we tell our kids to try something more than once) I took off my skis and walked down the rest of the mountain.

Anyway, I still love the "ski chalet" look.

Its What I Wore Wednesdays, so head on over to the Transatlantic Blonde to see what other bloggers are wearing.

My giveaway for Lilla P is on, good luck on winning the $100 gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweater & Booties - The Gap

Shirt - Banana republic

Jeans - J brand (old)

Bracelets - Links of London, Pandora (old)

Necklace - Ann Taylor

Handbag - Coach

There's No Place Like Home...

If only it was as easy as clicking our heels three times...

If you have some time please pop over to "Ava Grace's Closet"where I was interviewed by fellow blogger and Mama Susan. We didn't realize we were long lost sisters and blogging has brought us together. Susan has asked some pretty tough questions and I answered them as honestly as possible. Great series, I hope you enjoy.

Shirt - The Gap

Pants - J Brand

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

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

Mundane Monday's - Black & Grey

I'd like to start today's post by thanking everyone for their kind words from Friday's post especially Sue and The Flaky Fashionista for making me feel better about my cooking skills.

Last week lots of things went wrong, when I wrote the post late Thursday evening I didn't realize there could be more things that could go wrong. On Friday I treated myself to a mani/pedi where the manicurist cut me with the nail file (she wasn't paying attention because the place was too busy), she literally filed off several layers of skin and I screamed in pain and it started to bleed (and it still hurts). Moreover, my appointment was supposed to be an hour but took two and a half so I couldn't finish all of my errands that day or go to Ministry of Transportation (please keep reading for why that was so important). The kicker was getting a ticket for letting the sticker (licence plate renewal) on my minivan expire. The van is in my husbands name but I drive it. Neither one of us remember anything coming in the mail back in April/May to let us know it was up for renewal (it expired in June, how come we didn't notice sooner?). I was pulled over by a minivan full of police officers, they were very nice but I was in shock! I would like to say that Sunday was an amazing day so I think I'm going to have a better week - knock on wood.

Today's post is nice and easy, that's how I need this week to be...here's to Monday and a great week for all of us.

The wind really likes me. I keep on getting these "glamour shot" type pictures and I can't stop posting them.

Sweater - Costco (old - they carry these cashmere sweaters every year and they are softer then my expensive Velvet cashmere sweater that I have)

Shirt - Ann Taylor (old)

Jeans - J Brand (old)

Shoes - Tory Burch (old)

Necklace - F21

Bracelet - Stella & Dot

Watch - Michael Kors

I feel Scholarly - Purple Jeans

Firstly, thank you Beth Goodrham from Style Guile for featuring myself and 3 other bloggers (Avril being one) for a piece she wrote for here Brit Mums Blog. I am among some very chic women bloggers.  I was very honoured you chose me because I want to be like you (and Avril) when I grow up my blog.

Today's outfit makes me feel like I should be a professor on a university campus.  Now I went to the University of Waterloo, and anyone who knows anything about Waterloo (at least when I went there, and I have been told not much has changed) knows the school was/is fashionably challenged. I'm sure my professor look would cause a bit of a stir. I'm wearing purple jeans, that is just crazy.

Sorry for the above tangent, stroll down memory lane, back to today.

I bought these jeans last year and I wore the hell out of them last year and they are in regular rotation this year as well. The thing about coloured denim is you need to stick to hues that will easily move into your closet. Dark purple goes well with all my basics and easily fit into my wardrobe. If I'm going to be honest almost any colour is going to fit into my wardrobe, for some other wonderful ladies this may not be the case. Please think of this when choosing colours.

Blazer - Kopa (old)

Shirt - Banana Republic

Jeans - J Brand (old)

Shoes - Cole Haan (old)

Belt - Joe Fresh (old)

Sunglasses - Ray Ban (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Vince Vest - Official Canadian Women's Fall Outfit

The title is what would happen in my fantasy world, if we could all wear what I said. Come on admit it, most of you agree with me. I just think this screams Canadian Fall Perfection and it looks amazing. Carriage Trade can do no wrong for me.

Can we all agree that the shoes add some fun to this outfit? I have leopard print flats that would be just as great. Black flats or boots would be a great basic look as well.

I am also linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for the What I Wore Wednesday Blog Hop. Check out some other great fashion blogs.

Entire outfit (except for shoes & Watch) sourced from Carriage Trade:

Shearling Vest - Vince

Denim - J Brand

Top - Majestic

Handbag - Rebecca Minkoff

Jewelry - CC Skye

Watch - Michael Kors

Shoes - Stuart Weitzman

Vince Blazer - Leather is Back!

I love leather, I have been in love with it since I was 13. Yes 13, it was when I got my first leather jacket. Now leather is huge again!! So here I am featuring a leather Vince blazer, paired with dark purple J Brand jeans and a Tilo scarf. Kathleen from Carriage Trade styled me up and I think she did a great job.

Above is how I tied the scarf, below is how Kathleen did it. I need to take some lessons from Kathleen.

Coloured Denim is not going anywhere soon - YEAH! If you don't want to do anything crazy try a dark purple or wine coloured pair. It will give you that hit of colour without making you feel uncomfortable. This dark pair of purple/wine J Brand denim looks great paired with taupe, nude, brown, black or any mauve colour.

All clothing and accessories and clothing sourced from Carriage Trade.

Blazer - Vince

Denim - J Brand

Scarf - Tilo

Bracelets - CC Skye

Shoes - Cole Haan

Smythe Blazer

Today is the first of five posts showcasing some of my favourite looks from Carriage Trade Boutique. Why do I love Carriage Trade? The obvious reason is the clothing - great selection of fashionable clothing. The best reason is the service, the sales staff is all about service. They can outfit you for a casual dinner with friends or power lunch for work. Since we know the only power lunch I take is with my two and a half year old I am focusing on casual looks. Some of these pieces can be added to your work wardrobe and make it more versatile. If had had more disposable income I'd be disposing of it at Carriage Trade!

I love Smythe blazers, to me they are epitome of what blazers should do for you - make you look fabulous. Such a simple answer, the reason they are so wonderful is because they are cut to enhance a woman's frame and the fabrics they use are durable and lay perfectly. They are an investment piece - with prices starting at $500. I promise they are worth every penny. Did I forget to mention that Smythe is Canadian? It really is craftsmanship you are paying for.

I am wearing J Brand pants that are made out of a scuba like material. Way too much fun to wear!

This jacket is cut like a riding coat, comes in at the waist and covers the bum. Please remember ladies that this blazer is not meant to be tight around your waist - Why you may ask? This blazer should last you into winter. Hear me out, you can put a nice sweater (Autumn Cashmere or any cashmere, knit etc) under this blazer and wear it during those cold times. I am not saying you'll be walking around the neighbourhood but what about when you going to the mall? Who wants to wear their winter coat? Smythe blazer and sweater works much better, you will not be over-heated and carrying the winter coat (plus all your kids stuff) around. That's how I wore mine last winter.

Enjoying the leather patches on the arms and shoulder. 

Another trend that is still strong is lace - expect to see it for skirts and dresses again.

This outfit would work with flats or a great pair of riding boots. Honestly all I would need is some stables and I would be the perfect "English Lady".

This entire outfit (except for shoes) was sourced from Carriage Trade.

Blazer - Smythe

Pants - J Brand

Blouse - Joie

Necklace - Carriage Trade (name not available at this time)

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

Mundane Mondays - Don't Shoot The Messenger

A boring white tee and a pair of light denim, add a cognac coloured messenger bag and great wedges.

T-shirt - Kersh, Jeans - J Brand, Messenger Bag - H&M (borrowed), Wedges - Michael Kors, Sunglasses - Ray Ban