Exhausted but Having Fun with Flannel & Photoshop

I am tired - cleaning out my basement is driving me crazy...however, I get rid of lots of toys before Santa comes to clutter up my basement but again! The circle of life continues.

Anyway wearing plaid with a pencil skirt. I think I look like a typical dressed up Canadian. We love our flannel shirts and pencil skirts.

Blouse - The Gap

Skirt - Cassis (old)

Belt - Joe Fresh

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

Bracelet - J Crew

Watch - Michael Kors

Necklace - Stella & Dot

I'm linking up with the Transatlantic Blonde again for WIWW.  Click on the badge to the right to see what other bloggers are wearing today. May be inspired by some.

Coated Denim - Out on the Town

This weekend my best friend since childhood got married and I was the maid of honour. The wedding was beautiful, check out this video here to see what I mean (I'm the one doing all the hard work, zipping up the dress, fluffing the dress, drinking champagne etc.). The day before the wedding Christina and Brad had a meet and great for friends and family. It was located at a bar in Caesar's Casino in Windsor. I knew exactly what I was wearing...my coated denim jeans.

I had tried so many pairs of coated jeans at various price points and ended up purchasing Yoga Jeans version. They were just perfect for me. These are my new go to jeans when I'm heading out for a night on the town (which translates to dinner and drinks and home by 10 pm. I live a crazy life).

It was snowing while I was taking these pictures.

Perfect sheen on these jeans. Not heavily "coated" so won't stick to your skin or trap in the heat. That's one of the complaints I've heard about other brands and their coated denim.

This outfit looks effortless. It is so easy and simple to re-create.

Jeans - Yoga Jeans (find a store or website here)

Blouse - Judith & Charles (old)

Blazer - Smythe (old; similar here)

Shoes - Jimmy Choo (here)

Purse - Cassis (old)

Watch - Michael Kors (old)

Bracelets - Stella & Dot (Here & here), Bitter Sweet, Ann Taylor Loft, The Bay

Neck Warmer - Steve Madden (similar here)

My giveaway is still happening. All you need to do is "Like" Yoga Jeans on Facebook and comment on this post. If you win you can choose any jeans you want. Giveaway is open internationally. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Python Skirt & Purple Blouse

My husband and I joined a group of friends and went out to Rodney's Oyster bar in downtown Toronto. I am never disappointed by that restaurant. We OD'd on oysters and split a Lobster BLT and lobster. Then we had dessert - chocolate mousse and carrot cake. We don't get to go out for dinner very often together so when we do we eat our faces off. Okay, its more like I do, my husband has to tell me to pace myself.

I don't know where the wind machine came from, feeling very supermodel like.

Skirt - Danier

Blouse - Joie

Shoes - Jimmy Choo (old)

Bag - Cassis (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Stella & Dot, Ann Taylor

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)

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

Silk Blouse + Python = Date Night Or Girls Night Out

Carriage Trade is helping me get my pretty on. Blouses are everywhere and so are the price points and fabrications. To be quite honest, nothing says "woman" like a beautiful blouse, Joie did an amazing job of showcasing well cut and versatile blouses for women. Whether you are looking for brights or neutrals Joie did it - and in silk! Now silk is not for the kids nor is it a good idea to apply body lotion then touch a silk blouse (learned two hard lessons - both pieces ended in the garbage) but it is for grown ups and grown up things like work, date night or dinner with friends. So I had to pick this blouse and then I saw these jeans in dark PYTHON!

I have to be honest the light python pants scare me, too many possibilities of dimpling showing. I hate dimpling, now this python is dark and hides everything. Moreover, these pants have a higher rise. You all know why I love a higher rise (for those who don't four kids equals skin stretching) and these pants hit the sweet spot and make me look good. Carriage Trade is one of the few boutiques I know that is carrying this brand - CJ by Cookie Johnson. I love them.

Love the studding on this purse, plus it has lots of slots inside for all your cards. No need for your wallet. The purse also has enough room for a cell phone and a lipstick. Once my son is out of diapers I may need to downsize my over sized purses for something smaller.

Outfit sourced from Carriage Trade.

Blouse - Joie

Denim - CJ by Cookie Johnson

Necklace - Ellie Phont

Bracelets - CC Skye

Purse - Rebecca Minkoff

Watch - Michael Kors

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

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

BCBG Teal Jumpsuit

I love jumpsuits (with alterations this was long enough) and I could not resist this colour. They had this great pair of mustard satin heels that worked beautifully with this outfit but I just could not justify buying shoes to wear with one outfit. Plus satin...I could not do it. 10 years ago I would not have thought twice about it.

Elasticized belts were too tight on me, this belt sits at my waist and then falls away, covering instead of highlighting.

I chose neutral accessories because I would get more use of them. Black did nothing against this colour. If you really want to make an impact mustard yellow or the right shade of purple (with a pink undertone) would have made this jumpsuit more fun. I figured it's my birthday so I added all the fun.

Love the hidden chain strap on this purse. Clutches are great but sometimes you need your hands free.

Jumpsuit - BCBG
Blazer - Cassis
Belt - BCBG
Purse - Michael Kors
Shoes - Jimmy Choo
Bracelets - Coach, gifted (on right), Forever 21 (on left)