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.

Brights - Featuring Salsa Jeans

I've been posting a lot this week. I've been busy. Admittedly I've taken things slowly with this blog the first quarter of 2013. In January I was consumed with being a finalist/winner with the Marilyn Denis show's Search for Real Canadian Women. February was about taking it easy. March was about #WMCFW and working with Victoria Revay at QMI agency and since that job things have been busy and I'm not complaining. I've been contacted by many companies and been invited to several PR events which have been both flattering and exciting.

When Salsa Jeans initially approached me I was hesitant. I had never heard of their company. After some on-line research I learned it's based in Portugal and ships to Canada and it's very popular in Europe. As fun (and small) as my blog is I take it seriously. If I recommend something it's because I like it not because I got a freebie. I didn't want to enter into any contest just because I received a free pair of jeans and a possible grand prize (even if the top prize is to Dubai - I'll be bugging you on Friday) if I didn't believe in the product. I asked my UK blogger friends and Beth from Style Guile recommends them to her clients because of the rise selections, and Helen from The Flaky Fashionista says her neighbour just raves about her Salsa Jeans and Helen has added them to her wish list because she has fallen for them as well.

These women helped to convince me that I should enter the challenge. If you've been reading this blog for a while you know I prefer a mid to high rise because I've had four children, lucky for us all because Salsa offers everything from low to high. Lots of people automatically think that they are going to be ugly "MOM" jeans. Well get a load of these Morpho Push-In Jeans in Atlantic Blue. Their in-seams range from 30 to 34 inches (tall girl love) and pocket placement is lowered to accommodate the high rise for a nice bum. Plus it literally Pushes everything In and no puckering. The Morpho line offers six different fits and includes maternity jeans. The problem now? I want more!

Yup I even gave you a behind shot. I don't know how long this is staying up (I wish I could blame it on the alcohol).

I'm also linking up with The Pleated Poppy for more blogger inspiration.

Jeans - c/o Salsa Jeans

Blouse - Ann Taylor

Blazer - Cassis (old)

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Necklace & Bracelets - c/o Cocoa Jewelry (here, here and here)

Clutch - Jeanne Lottie

Sunglasses - Burberry

If you haven't had a chance to enter, the Cocoa Jewelry $100 gift card giveaway is still on. You can get bonus entries every day by tweeting and leaving a blog comment. I love to hear what you have to say.

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Cocoa Jewelry Giveaway - Blazers & Boyfriends

I first discovered Cocoa Jewelry in Shopepers Drug Mart during the fall. One of the kids was sick and I was waiting to pick up a prescription. I browsed the Beauty Boutique and admired the jewelry display full of great finds and picked up my first Cocoa piece a ring. Between the four kids I got to Shoppers quite often and my collection grew - more rings, bracelets and earrings. When Cocoa Jewelry reached out to me and gave me a goodie box full of their  jewelry I was ecstatic because I was already a fan and that meant healthy children!

I've been wearing the pieces constantly and gotten to know the creative power behind this brand through e-mail, Twitter and Facebook. Nancy is a woman after my heart - she loves denim and blazers as much as I do.  Cocoa's philosophy is pretty easy to understand

"Cocoa Jewelry is an affordable luxury accessories brand.  We source, design & manufacture high quality, trendy jewelry and accessories.  Our products are sold at major retailers under a number of branded & private label collections.  We want woman to feel empowered and beautiful.  Be fierce ladies.

You can get our exclusive collections at Shoppers Beauty Boutiques, TARGET Canada, the Shopping Channel or online at www.cocoajewelry.com."

With their recent appearance on Dragon's Den and deal with Jim, Cocoa Jewelry is taking the Canadian Accessories Marketplace with one fashionable piece at a time. With an exclusive line now available in Target Canada, there is a style and price point for everyone.

This style post is dedicated to Cocoa Jewelry and Nancy - I'm rocking jeans, a blazer and bling.

I made a fashion friend/colleague, Nora, at a PR event bonding over our love of dressing up and this Spike Me Collar necklace

Wearing - Blazer, Banana Republic. Shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jeans & Shoes, The Gap. Watch, Michael Kors. Sunglasses, Rayban. Handbag, Coach. Necklace, c/o Cocoa Jewelry. Bracelets, c/o Cocoa Jewelry (here & here)

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for more outfit inspiration!

Now it's time to talk about the giveaway. Cocoa Jewelry is giving one lucky winner a $100 gift card to spend on their website. Please note this giveaway is only open to residents in Canada and the US.

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Seeing Double - From School Gate Style

I want to have everything on my blog so I am posting my content from School Gate Style. If you haven't already go say hi to Avril and just tell her Iva sent you. Sorry to disappoint, not a new post!

Meet Iva – Blog Swap with One Chic Mom

Hi everyone, I’m Iva (pronounced Eva) from One Chic Mom and I’m very excited that Avril and I are trading spaces for this blog swap. I am a stay at home mom who lives in Toronto with my husband Ivan (no not a typo) and our four children (some will say I’m brave others will say I’m crazy, you’re both right) who blogs about mom fashion in my spare time. My wardrobe is a mixed bag, like me; there are affordable pieces with splurge items sprinkled around. The one thing I know about myself is that when I put some effort into my appearance I automatically feel better  – and the outside world responds as well.

I’m putting my best foot, outfit and face forward for today’s post and featuring what I wore to TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival. I was lucky enough to be able to see a few movies and what I’ve noticed about moviegoers at this festival is they are putting their fashion on.

I wanted to wear something fun and sparkly – the stars were in town – but I was taking the subway downtown and theatres tend to be cool so I knew I was wearing a blazer. I get cold easily. My colour scheme quickly became white, black and gold. Basic and easy, however, it is classic and fashionable.

Accessories simply became about the arm candy. With a sequence tank I didn’t want to wear a necklace that would compete with it. People routinely ask me about mixing metallics – you can do it because they are neutrals. I tend to wear lots of gold, then I throw in a few pieces that are either silver or rose gold or a dark gun metal (like in the picture below) to break up the yellow. One of my favourite purchases has to be the Stella & Dot bracelet. Thanks Mirjana!

This outfit could easily be worn out for dinner and drinks or out to the club…not that I remember the club but I’m pretty sure you can wear this…

Blazer – Cassis (old)

Tank – Joe Fresh

Denim – Second Skin Denim

Bracelets – Stella & Dot, Ann Taylor, The Bay

Shoes - Jimmy Choo

My every day style is not as flashy and if you follow me on my blog you’ll see that I’m much more casual in my every day. Hope I’ve inspired you next time you’re going out for a fun night.

Thank you to Avril for making this blog swap happen now get over to One Chic Mom to see what Avril is wearing!

Mint Blouse - Pink Martini

I am enjoying the pastel trend so much so that I really want to buy some pastel jeans - I just can't find any with a higher rise (or thick fabric). My sister Ana told me Top Shop but I have not found the time to go. Anyone else having this problem?

Trying on the low rise ones has taught me to go up a few sizes so I'm not showing off my puckers and dimples. Still wanting to honour the pastel trend I've purchased a mint green blouse by Pink Martini. Just love it!

My husband had a casual evening work function and I wore the blouse and paired it with dark denim skinnies (big shock I know). Doing a pastel top is easier then a pastel bottom. Everything else I'm wearing is several years old (beside the necklace...more on that later), I didn't have to purchase anything new to go with the top.

Honestly, how fun are the leopard shoes with this outfit? I could have easily done black or even nude but leopard is unexpected and it works.

Now back to the necklace that is not on my neck. On my left hand I am wearing a Joe Fresh necklace as a bracelet that I just wrapped around a couple of times (thanks for the idea Ana). 

I decided to do all gold as the accessories. I could have a added a few silver bracelets as well. Metallics work as neutrals.

White blazers seem impractical but with this blouse it allows that to be the focus. Black can be harsh against pastels, where white brings it into spring and summer.

Blazer - Cassis (old)
Blouse - Pink Martini
Jeans - Paige (old)
Shoes - Stuart Weitzman (old)
Purse - Marc Jacob (old)
Belt - Tory Burch (old)
Bracelets - Coach (old), gifted, Joe Fresh (necklace, worn as bracelet on left hand)