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!

Quick, Dirty and Lazy Post

Now that I have your attention...when I was talking pictures yesterday I decided to switch out the jeans and add a maxi skirt. My husband hates maxi skirts so I try not to wear them around him. Not because I value his fashion opinion but because I don't want to hear him complain about what I'm wearing. I pick my battles and win the wars.

Only one picture - quick, dirty and lazy!

Blazer - Zara

T-Shirt - Joe Fresh

Skirt - Denise & Co. (old)

Flip Flops - tkees (old)

Necklace & Bracelet - Stella & Dot

Watch - Michael Kors (old)

Face On

I always try to post my best face/outfit when I do this blog, because honestly if I didn't would you follow me or read this blog? I mean I named it "One Chic Mom" so there are some expectations on your part. Don't blame you. There are days when I wake up and just don't know what to wear or care what I'm putting on. If I'm going to stay home then I can just wear whatever I find on the floor and get on with my day. If I am heading out in public I feel like I should put some effort into my appearance especially since I started this blog. When I have gone out in public without any effort my husband chuckles and says he's going to take a picture and post it.

So when I woke up today I had a lot I needed to accomplish and no desire to put my face on. I wanted something simple and started with jeans and a t-shirt. I knew I would be seeing lots of people and felt I needed to kick it up a notch. So I did what I do best, I added a blazer and some jewelry and BAM, I was public ready. Now the fact that I haven't washed my hair in 3 days (I've showered just not washed my hair) was rectified by using John Freida dry shampoo.

Not sure if you can tell in this picture but this tee has gold "glitter" all over it (I really could not think of another word to describe the gold flecks). Pretty basic outfit, nothing fancy. Great for running around with the kids.

All I did was add a blazer and some accessories. I look like a different person and you are all marveling at how I get so much done with my gaggle of children. This look took an extra 30 seconds to place on my body.

When I tucked in the t-shirt I think it looks better. Who knew?

This outfit is very similar in structure to a post I wrote last week "Red White & Blue", who cares! That's how people in the real world dress, change out a top and add a necklace. Who has time to always look so different? Apparently I don't even have time to wash my hair! Happy Hump Day!

I am linking up with WIWW again, enjoy!


Blazer - Zara
T-Shirt - Joe Fresh
Jeans - Adriano Goldschmied (old)
Shoes & Belt - Tory Burch (old)
Necklace & Bracelet - Stella & Dot
Watch - Michael Kors (old)

Bridal Shower Chic

Today I had the pleasure of attending the bridal shower of a close family friend. Everything was perfect and the future bride radiated happiness. I had a chance to catch up with friends and family that are scattered across the southern part of the province and share a special day with a beautiful woman.

This is what I wore...

I've been out of the corporate world for a very long time, however, with a closed toe nude shoe, a jacket or cardigan and I'm sure you could wear this to work. 

These are my favourite shoes, they are comfortable and stylish. The platform is the key.

When you purchase a good handbag it is never out of fashion. My husband bought me this Furla bag in Croatia almost 8 years ago as a "I'm sorry I'm leaving you and our newborn daughter so I can travel Croatia with your parents and sister and have a great time" present. I may not pull it out every year, however, it is as stylish now as it was back then.

The colour is what makes the bag the statement piece of the outfit. Navy and avocado just work.

Some may be wondering if you can mix metallics, I just did and it worked great - silver, rose and gold tones are all neutrals and nothing is over powering.

Another reason I love these shoes - it goes with the avocado handbag and the navy skirt. Just fades away and plays a great "supporting role".

Hoping everyone had a great weekend, I know Tina probably had one of the best!

Top - Zara
Skirt - Banana Republic
Shoes - Jimmy Choo
Handbag - Furla (old)
Necklace - Gifted
Watch - Michael Kors
Bracelets - Coach (old), Forever 21

Don't Cry for Me Argentina - Last Day Zara Blazer, H&M Peplum Top

I could not resist the cheesy title. It's what I wore on my last evening in Buenos Aires...until next time...

What I should have worn touring through the city, not just a sweater and button down - 

Coat & Bag - Burberry

Scarf - Winners

Gloves - Roots

Blazer - Zara
Top - H&M
Jeans - Rich & Skinny
Belt - Tory Burch
Shoes - Cole Haan

Chile Sightseeing - Strawberry Zara Blazer

My husband and I were back in Santiago Chile, which is a beautiful city and we had warm weather and blue skies while there at the end of April. I find it very safe, however, the locals will tell you they have a pick pocketing problem so be careful.

When traveling I try not to look like a typical tourist - I don't always blend into the background (blond hair, light complexion and height) but I'm trying not to scream "I'm a foreigner so steal my camera". That means no "tourist" uniform - baggy t-shirt, ill fitting jeans/shorts, running shoes/outdoor sandals, and overflowing backpack. It's the combination of all those things that is the tell.

On this evening, my husband and I were going to do some sightseeing and an easy dinner. I made sure I put on my comfortable sandals and a fun outfit. I don't get out as much as I like with my husband so I put some extra effort. I had to wear my Zara blazer. The strawberry red colour pops and is great with denim. 

Hanging out in Patio Bellavista - full of restaurants and cute little stores that sell handmade crafts and jewelry.

I love red and turquoise together, the strong colours compliment each other and are allowed to shine against a cream blouse and dark denim.

Nude shoes are my new favourite footwear. They go with every colour and make you look taller (that's a piece of advice for my petite friends).

When I was here in August of 2011 I did not take the funicular up San Cristobal Hill. That's something my husband Ivan and I were able to do. The view was fantastic.

Ivan took this picture because I was afraid to look down. The funicular is great, it travels up 284 m, but my stomach was not so enthralled and I was afraid that we were going to plummet to our death. The funicular didn't "drive" new.

A statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, which is 45 ft high. There are Catholic masses held outdoors every Sunday at noon at the foot of the statue. 

Views of the city, above is a picture of a famous building nicknamed the Cell Phone Tower, shaped like a cell phone from the 90s.

The Andes surrounding the city.

Patio Bellavista at night. We came back after our quick tour of San Cristobal Hill and had some dinner and Pisco Sours. Pisco Sours are the official drink of Chile (at least they are for Ivan and me). The restaurants were busy and the atmosphere was relaxed.

Blazer - Zara
Necklace - Avon
Blouse - Aritzia (old)
Jeans - Rich & Skinny (old)
Bracelet - Joe Fresh
Sandals - Cole Haan