I Can't Resist a Maxi Dress

There are a few articles of clothing I "collect" and it's all because of my height. One of them is pants, if a pair of pants is long enough I swear there is an insane woman screaming in my head "YOU HAVE TO BUY THOSE PANTS, WHO CARES IF YOU HAVE 100 PAIRS IN YOUR CLOSET. THEY ARE LONG ENOUGH. YOU'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER PAIR LONG ENOUGH. RUN, DON'T WALK AND BUY THOSE PANTS". The other article is a maxi dress. Again if it is long enough, I will buy it nine times out of ten.

They are just great and versatile. Wear them to the park, zoo, cottage,  PR event, beach, sailing, riding a horse (okay I threw that one in to see who was paying attention), out for dinner, shopping, Costco or Centre Island. I mean you get the picture.

Dress, Joie. Shoes, Jimmy Choo. Necklace, Avon. Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Sunglasses, Burberry.

While I love this dress it is sheer, I had to purchase a slip. When I wear it to the pool I won't be wearing the slip. Over the Victoria Day long weekend (here in Canada) I was getting ready to wear it out with the family when my husband told me he could see my underpants. I was in a hotel room in Ottawa, my children proceeded to all try and see if they could see my underpants. They could. Oh the squeals of delight and child commentary that followed.

Lots of you are telling me you can't wear a maxi because of this, that or the other. I say there is a maxi out for you. Read this post I did for Yorkdale Shopping Centre to help find the maxi for you.

I'm linking up with Style Elixir, Transatlantic Blonde (WIWW), My Thrifty Chic, Suburbs Mama and The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.

Mother's Day and My Birthday

Let's take a look at the outfit first...

Jean Jacket & Chambray Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, Yoga Jeans (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, Cocoa Jewelry. Watch, Michael Kors (old). Shoes, Naturalizer (old). Sunglasses, Burberry (old).

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and so is my birthday – I am turning 38. This last year has been amazing for me because of this little blog.  I’m not famous or making any money (yet…it is a goal) but it’s nice to have something that is mine. I’ve gotten to go to WMC Fashion Week and tweet for QMI agency, attend Clothing Previews, been featured in the Toronto Sun and given some great products (clothing, accessories, perfume, skin care products, tablet etc.). I even made it to TV as one of the winners of The Marilyn Denis Show’s Real Canadian Women Model Search. The best experience was the most recent - I partnered with Pomp and Pageantry, a Toronto boutique, for their month-long celebration of Moms. They had a little photo shoot for my children and I and the pictures were perfect. Pomp and Pageantry will be donating 10% of their sales during the month of May to MumNet. The mother's group that has been a staple in my life since the birth of my daughter.

I can’t lie I would love to receive some extravagant gifts – an outrageously expensive handbag, red soled shoes, jewelry in a little blue box or a convertible in the driveway (if I’m going to wish, I’m wishing BIG). However, this year there are other things that need to be purchased like Adidas running shoes, dance lessons, books and a toy dragon because my youngest is POTTY TRAINED!!! Honestly best gift is not having any of them in diapers. See? This is all it takes to make me happy…plus a stop at Burger King (click here to learn more).

I often get asked “How do you do it? How do you find the time to shower, let alone dress?” There is no easy answer, no formula or schedule I follow.  I give myself the time I need to feel my best because I AM WORTH IT.  Those are four very easy words to write, yet very hard words to believe. I give the best of myself to my family. I do laundry, I hug the hurt, restrain them when stitches are being applied, I clean up after sickness, I am there to answer the questions, I wipe away the tears, I listen to childhood problems and the politics of the playground. I use my high school French, I feel their pain, physical or emotional and know life will only get harder. I give everything of myself and I complain about it, I suffer silently, I am a martyr and I am selfish.

Life may start at point A but it never ends in a perfectly straight line to point B, why would motherhood? Motherhood is easy and then difficult by noon. I often wonder how the hell I got here – stay at home mother of four and three of those little people are boys! There are times I throw my hands up in defeat and then I give myself a minute to calm down and push my way through until bedtime. Then when everyone is asleep I pour myself a glass of wine and curse and then I thank God I have the four little monkeys. I am blessed to be a mother because the alternative would break my heart.

If you feel the need to get me something all I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore. Check out what the other bloggers wore here.

Anyway Happy Mother's Day!

Drop it Like It's Hot

The weather has been AMAZING!! I've been wearing maxi dresses and skirts all week. This one from Target is really long and really comfortable, except the criss cross top won't stay closed (RIP Chris Kelly). I had to pin it shut, but not before I flashed every person at the Ecco Fall Preview.

Jacket, Gap. Dress, Target. Necklace, Avon. Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Clutch, Jeanne Lottie. Flip Flops, Tory Burch (old). Sunglasses, Ray Ban (old).

I am still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 6. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5.

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy. Check out what other blogger are wearing here.

Put it in Neutral

I find mixing neutrals as difficult as mixing colours. Finding the right shade of ivory or blush to pair with this skirt was a welcome challenge.

The skirt has a great pocket detail and a wonderful, yet very slight, hi/low hemline. These details make the skirt that much more special.

The skirt is made of this amazing woven fabric, and coral is the predominate colour with gold thread running through it. Everything about this skirt is subtle. The pictures don't do it justice. It was a no brainer to pair it with lots of great gold accessories.

Blouse, Wilfrid (old). Skirt, c/o Zamrie here, Shoes, Christian Louboutin (old). Clutch, DKNY (old). Necklace, c/o Cocoa Jewelry here. Belt, Joe Fresh (old).

I'm still asking for votes for the Salsa Jeans Competition. You can vote for me here if you'd like. It's a Facebook Competition. 50 Bloggers showing of their denim style. I'm on page 5.

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Getting inspired by other bloggers.

My Cocoa Jewelry Giveaway for $100 gift card ends Sunday. You still have a few more days to enter.

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A Little Pink Dress - Big Changes

I'm always preaching about stepping out of your comfort zone and mixing colours and trying dresses and skirts and having fun and blah blah blah. I'm taking my own advice today. I ordered this dress online from Gap because it's a very different silhouette then what I'm used to. I'm more of a structured dresser with a defined waist who's skirts and dresses end up around the knee. This dress is shorter then what I'm used to and it's a fuller skirt. I like things to go straight down. Anyway, not sure how I feel about it. Loved it when I put it on and took the pictures. Now that I see the pictures not sure if I'm sold on it. Maybe because my legs are that perfect shade of pasty white? This blog is about fashion, we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously.

So should it stay or should it go?

I am sure about one thing this necklace.

Jacket & Dress, The Gap. Necklace & Bracelets, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Flip Flops, Tkees. Sunglasses, Rayban.

If you have some time I would love your help with a contest I am in. Salsa Jeans put out a call to 50 bloggers worldwide and I was one of the 50, to show off how their Salsa Jeans. I would love to be in the top 15. I'm one of the oldest bloggers and I'm pretty sure I have the most kids so I'd like to have a strong showing. Please vote here.

If you haven't entered the Cocoa Jewelry giveaway there is still time. You can get extra entries by tweeting or adding a blog comment. Good Luck and have a great weekend.

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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

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

British Casual Fridays

I don't know where the title came from, I just feel very British. Like I need to be in the country or something, at Downton. Except without the heels. With the heels I think this is a great look for the office on a Friday or running around doing errands and then going for lunch with some girlfriends. Love the layers, I know I'm biased but I like it...No I love it.

The above picture is one of the few that looked good without my son running around me. Wait till you see...

This blazer is 3/4 sleeve and so is the white button down I'm wearing. This allowed me to wear the blazer cuffed and I think that little detail just makes the shirt pop and makes the outfit that much more interesting. It's all about the details.

 When I first tried this look I rolled the jeans. The jeans are more slim then a true skinny.

So what do you think, keep the scarf or lose it?

Why leopard? Because it really is unexpected. This outfit is very "business" the shoes are fun and sexy.  The outfit may be men's inspired but I am all woman. ROAR.

My son is running around me playing with a ball and I've given up trying to get him away from me and the camera, then the kid pings me in the back of the head with the ball. Honestly I was laughing for a good minute. You either cry or laugh, I decided to laugh. That is one of my parenting strategies in real life. My boys broke my canopy bed by hanging off one of rails a few weeks ago. I laughed.

Ah some time alone. So what are you opinions?

One more thing...I still need your votes. I made it through to the top 10 and I'd like to stay there. If you can please vote by clicking here or on the badge that says Circle of Moms. Last time I checked I was #7, you can vote one last time for me. Voting is done today 4pm PST, this is the last time I am posting this annoying message. I am begging PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for me one last time. Thanks!

Blazer - Kopa (old)

Sweater & Button Down - Brooks Brothers (old)

Jeans - James Jeans (old)

Shoes - Stuart Weitzman (old)

Bracelets - Stella & Dot

Watch - Michael Kors

Scarf - Anthropologie (old)

Surprise! - This is What I Wore

My girlfriend had a surprise birthday luncheon with her close girlfriends - best surprise ever - her birthday is in November, luncheon end of September. The look on her face was priceless!

It is driving me crazy that this shirt is wrinkled!! I wore it to the party, got home and took the pictures. Missed it.

Hooking up for WIWW! Come and visit.

One more thing...I still need your votes. I made it through to the top 10 and I'd like to stay there. If you can please vote by clicking here or on the badge that says Circle of Moms. Last time I checked I was #9, you can vote once every 24 hrs. Once the voting is done on Thursday, I will stop posting this annoying message. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for me. Thanks!

Blazer - Banana Republic (old)

Blouse - Joie

Jeans - James Jeans (old)

Shoes - Steve Madden (old)

Bag - Fendi (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelets - Ann Taylor, The Bay (old)
Sunglasses - Ray Ban (old)

Stepford Wife

Sometimes I get into these moods when I'm picking out my clothes, I pick out a uniform or a costume. Today I am channelling my inner Stepford wife. I love this cardigan from H&M (not a big fan of their disposable fashion, it goes back to fit and being six feet tall), its part or their baroque line. The coral colour and the rhinestone buttons are what attracted me to it in the first place. In the store they had paired it with brocade pants in gold and coral. I loved the pants, I just wouldn't wear them because of my "lifestyle" plus they would be too short on me. I'm pretty sure that Avril from Schoolgate Style tried them on and she looked fab.

Anyway back to being a Stepford wife...certain cardigans say perfect suburban wife and this one was screaming it when I paired it with my jeans. I felt like my name should be Bitsie or something and I was going to make sure that my home was the epitome of perfection for my man. Hahaha! It's fun to play make believe.

 Now the question becomes tucked or untucked?

This cardigan is great but it likes to ride up because of my height. So for me I prefer something underneath. Just a cautionary tale.

Hooking up with Transatlantic blog for WIWW!

One more thing...I still need your votes. I made it through to the top 25 and I'd like to try and reach the top 15. If you can please vote by clicking here or on the badge that says Circle of Moms. Last time I checked I was #19, you can vote once every 24 hrs. Once the voting is done I will stop posting this annoying message. Thanks!

Cardigan - H&M

Jeans - Paige Denim (old)

Booties - Coach (old)

Belt - Tory Burch (old)

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - Stella & Dot