Spring Transition and Purges

I honestly wasn't sure I would be able to write about transitioning my winter to spring wardrobe because of the weather we've been having in southern Ontario. Just when I thought warmer weather was in the forecast we were hit with an ice storm. Any way, it seems like Mother Nature is finally in the mood for sunshine. I obliged her by packing up all my chunky sweaters, dark chords, heavy coats and blazers and bringing out lighter knits, brighter blazers, light denim, skirts, maxi dresses and spring coats. I keep my dark blue and black denim on hand as well as basic skirts and dresses that are a medium weight. I tend to wear those pieces up until the summer heat makes its appearance. This outfit is a perfect balance of winter/fall basics (black jeans and basic stilettos) and combining new spring pieces (bright blazer and sheer blouse in a colourful pattern).

Spring is always about bringing out the brighter or lighter colours and appreciating the thaw of snow and sunshine on my face. The mornings can still be cool and harder to dress for. I find the best way to combat the colder mornings during this transition is just to layer - add a spring coat to my blazer and blouse combination. This allows me to shed the coat in the afternoon. 

Another question I get asked is how to purge your closet. That can be a big tricky, however, here are a few easy things to do:

1. If you have holes, runs, pulls, stains or fabric is pilling get rid of it. Why take up valuable space in your closet for things that most likely just look horrible. I will have some people talk about gardening clothes etc. Fine keep one or two work clothes, get rid or everything else.
2. If you haven't worn it in a year or more donate it. There are a few exceptions (like pregnancy or sickness) but for the most part that means it doesn't fit or the piece is dated. There's a reason you are not wearing it. I don't want to hear "It was expensive I can't get rid of it". Sure you can, buy something that fits and looks better.
3. Articles of clothing that are dated like 80s power suits and MC Hammer harem pants. All joking aside this one may be harder to figure out, I say ask a friend to help with this one or take a picture of you in the article and ask me. I love to purge and friends ask me to help them all the time.
4. Anything from a junior store. Example, if you are wearing t-shirts that a teenager or tween would love from stores like Aeropostale pack it up. The cut is not for women, nor is the store, we're not seventeen anymore and why try to re-claim that time in our lives when it is never going to happen? This includes any type of clothing with writing on our behinds. No Juicy track suits please. Moreover, things from these stores just age you and make you look like you're trying too hard.

I hope this helps.

Blazer & Blouse - c/o Smart Set 

Denim - Adriano Goldschmied 

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

Bracelets - c/o Cocoa Jewelry

Watch, Michael Kors

A Yellow Blazer

I love colour and have never shied away from wearing it. That being said I know many people do not feel the same way and to be honest I'm not okay with that. I think we should wear colour. I don't mean you need to look like a box of crayons or a colouring book picture my five year old coloured. Or stay away from the black and white. Just mix it up a bit. Start with accessories like bracelets, belts, shoes or scarves.

Wearing a blazer or blouse in a pretty yellow or green will do your face a service and take years off. Don't like yellow or green? What about red, blue, pink or orange? I know there is something for everyone. You just need to find it. Hell, I'll settle for Navy.

I'd also like to thank Cocoa Jewelry for the earrings and bracelet. I first discovered Cocoa jewelry at the Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Bar. I've purchased several pieces over the last year and was flattered when they sent me a BOX full of items from their latest collection. I've been getting compliments from my sisters (who's opinion I value and both could have their own style blogs) on the items and have been wearing pieces all week. Cocoa Jewelry is a Canadian success story and will be found in Canadian locations of Target as well. Please know that all these opinions are my own.

If you want to see what colours other Canadian bloggers are wearing head over to Fashion Magazine Style Panel here.

I will be posting World MasterCard Fashion Week pictures as well. Just need to figure out where to start.

Blazer - H&M

Blouse - Ann Taylor (old)

Jeans - J Brand (old)

Shoes - Prada

Earrings, Bracelet - Cocoa Jewelry

Watch - Michael Kors

Wallet on a Chain - Rebecca Minkoff

Investing

Investment pieces are different things to different people. I’m a stay at home mother and retired my power suit a long time ago. However, a great blazer will get me from day to night – I can wear this blazer while running errands and still wear it out in the evening for date night or drinks with the girls. It is also something I can wear year round – except maybe the hottest days of summer. This blazer is structured and cut perfectly for my frame. It tapers in at my waist and sits perfectly on my shoulders. It is a classic shape and won’t be subject to changing fashion whims. The lapels are done in a satin fabric, which give it a nice touch. I only need one good black blazer and this one’s it.

After the age of 35 women need to think about cut and fit before trends. Nothing ages a woman more than ill-fitting and poorly cut clothes.  Clothing that fits properly accentuates our shape and camouflages any problem areas we have.  Thank goodness well cut clothing can be found at every price point!

Blazer - Smythe (old)

 Blouse - Ann Taylor (old)

 Jeans - J Brand (old)

 Shoes - Prada (old)

 Belt - Tory Burch (old)

 Watch - Michael Kors (old) 

Jewelry - F21(old)

Every Girl Needs A Coat

Fur is a sensitive subject, to some individuals (and organizations) it is very black and white. Very few things in life are black and white. I am not going to discuss fur and the ethics associated with it. That is for a different blog.

I am going to say that I just love this coat. I've had it for at least 11 years and it sill turns heads and inspires women to find that one show stopping coat for those special occasions in their life. For me fur is all about the "trimmings", adding that extra detail that makes the ordinary extraordinary. 

The collar and cuffs are removable. I have never used the collar for anything but this coat, however, I will be removing it and seeing what else I can come up with. This is another Style Panel Challenge. To see what other bloggers are wearing please click here.

Some of you may know that on Friday I was on the Marilyn Denis Show, I participated in "Real Women Model Search" and was selected to be in their Top 10. From there I made it to the Top 6 and will be on the show periodically. I will be posting about this experience this week. Why not today? I have a very sick 3 year old who needs me. That's a perfect Real Women story...modelling on national television on Friday and being vomited on by Saturday. It doesn't get any more real then that!

Coat - Di Capra (old)

Dress - Banana Republic

Shoes - Jimmy Choo (old)

Belt - BCBG