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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

I have something to admit...

The admission is not that I have a little bit of an addiction to reality television, which I do...and when it comes to reality television, I like the best (worst) kind.  In particular, I like The Real Housewives of New York City and The Real Housewives of Orange County.  Separately, the main characters aren't great.  For instance, Bethanny Frankel is great on The Real Housewives of NYC.  Her own show?  Kinda boring.  But the characters together are funny and catty.

It's not something I tell any friends or colleagues or talk about or really anything concern myself with beyond watching the show itself (other than a fake-alarm cry from my boyfriend who will update me on something he found on an online site sometimes, i.e. "Oh My God!  Did you know Vicky filed for divorce from Don?!?"), but I love it.  My work is stressful (whose isn't?) and I'm working with intelligent people all day...it makes me want to just curl up and watch something un-intelligent in my off time.  I think there's a little bit of that in everyone.

I have to admit, I love Alexis Bellino from The Housewives of OC.  She's funny and a bit of a ditz sometimes but she is always interesting.  I'm a bit fascinated with her approach to her life (religion before marriage but marriage before her kids). 

The big admission is...I bought her maxi dress she wore on one of the shows that's now on her own website for sale.  But honestly, how cute is this dress?  I can't wait to get it.  The braiding on the front and around the neck is gorgeous (www.Alexis-Bellino.com, $69).  Great pricing, too, Alexis: I know you're probably making a nice margin on it as well, but good job on making it approachable.  Call me!


Sunday, June 26, 2011

I heart you, Kate Spade

Every time I'm in New York, I always make it a point to go to Soho...and every time I'm in Soho I always make it a point to go to Kate Spade.  I think almost every woman wants to have the kind of life that Kate Spade clothes make you think of...

I love trying on the beautiful Kate Spade dresses...they are always gorgeous and colorful but still stay within wearable range so they aren't over the top.  Kate Spade shoes are just gorgeous too...I can't speak to the comfort of them but I love the patterns and colors that are combined.

I just wandered into the online sale area of the KateSpade.com and saw lots of approachable pieces!  I've listed a few below that are great deals right now...

 Kate Spade Floral Josie Dress, $445, now $199

Kate Spade Villa Adelle Tunic, $265, $186

Kate Spade Solid Lola Dress, $325, $228

Gorgeous stuff!  These dresses remind me of The Cat's Meow front window, in Toronto, which is changed almost every day and is the highlight in going by when on my way to or from work.  The dresses are gorgeous and look like they're right out of Mad Men.  

I have whispered into my boyfriend's ear when he's in San Francisco this week that I would love some Toms Wedges in Coral or Yellow Nautical Stripe (both $69).  These plus a dress from Anthropologie that just hit the sale rack!




Dutch Yellow Shift, $79 (from $158)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wednesday Shopping

I went to return, yes, RETURN, a dress I bought at Banana Republic Don Mills that looked oh so cute on the model and oh so ugly on me.  Damn this model, whoever she is, because she looks gorgeous in everything.  Not even model-ish, just stunningly naturally gorgeous.  I love yellow but this was a crepe draped fabric around the lower tummy, and quite frankly, there aren't many women who can pull that off (as I casually wipe a tear away)...


I will keep my eye out for the next sale on Banana Republic website, because a yellow dress I will be in this summer!  I like this halter dress, but the problem is forever that it won't fit you exactly as it does in the image when you order online...so I'll wait to see it in stores and try it on.


I also went to Anthropologie and bought the Readymade Dress ($148) which is going to be a go-to piece this summer, I just know it!  With a tan belt and cute leather sandals, the soft, soft, soft dress is going to be a wear-around favourite.  What does chap my a** is that Anthropologie clothing is $40 to ship to Canada and costs about 25% more than their US stores.  What's up with that?

I also bought a great large flower wrap dress in an extremely approachable price point from Tristan & America that I'll find the image for shortly ($69).  Polyester, yes, but made in Canada!  Charlotte helped me out and was absolutely adorable (and a dead ringer for Sarah Polley).

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

I'm a sad, sad girl.

With certain clothing that is out of my price range, I sometimes keep them in the shopping bag of whatever online store I find them in but don't actually execute the order.  In this case, it was an Armani suit.  The Armani Collezioni Chevron Stripe Jersey Jacket and Skirt to be exact.  And the store was Nordstrom.   I yearned for it, looking at it on an almost weekly basis, but couldn't find it in me to spend $2,300 on the skirt suit that I hadn't even tried on.

I happened to go online after coming back from New York and found that Nordstrom had my Armani suit on sale - 60% off!  How could I turn this down?  On the one hand my shopping budget from the month was shot.  But on the other hand, I seemed to be getting an odd feeling it was meant for me! There were only two sizes available in both the jacket and the skirt, and it just happened to be that both were available in MY sizes (I generally go one size up from my jackets when I order pants/skirts so this was an incredible thing!).

The delicate waved detailing in the closures, the collar-less neck, the feminine flower, the soft unlined jersey material, the beautiful soft brown colour...I could go on and on.  By the time I was about to bite the bullet and go back and just buy it.................it had sold out.

A moment for the Armani suit.  The suit that could never be mine.  The one that got away.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

I am back from a nightmare flight from Newark...airport under construction + 6 hour flight delay + no electronic flight notifications made me a dull girl.  The thing I was most dismayed about was the fact that I rushed away from shopping to get to the airport when I could have had the rest of the day wandering around New York!

But I did get into a few favourite stores...Bloomingdales, Kate Spade, Reiss, and although I wanted to check out Milly's new store I just didn't have the time to get to her location.  But the good news is Holt Renfrew does carry her line of clothing and although they sell out of sizes quickly I can always try things on and see them in person and Holts will do a pretty good job of ordering in from another store.  That or I can always order from Nordstrom, which ships to Canada.

I was practical this trip!  I bought a lovely fitted heather gray skirt suit from Reiss, pictured below ($359 for the jacket, $189 for the skirt).


I also debated getting a maxi dress from Reiss ($149), pictured below.  It's so lovely on but I was just unsure about it.  I regret not buying it...as it is so beautiful so I may just order it from Asos.com.  Left alone or belted I think it's gorgeous.


My other purchases were shoes from Shoe Woo...I bought two pairs: a Nine West leather walking shoe ($42) for my next trip to NY in July (!!!), a pair of cute peep toe, bow-tie patent black leather Enzo Angiolini shoes for work ($62).


From Bloomingdale's I bought these cute Steve Madden "Turnpyke" platforms ($75), which are sky high and amazingly comfortable and light to walk in.


Sunday, June 12, 2011

Judith & Charles Fall 2011 Line - now with pictures

Judith & Charles now have their Fall 2011 Lookbook online, link below...here are some of my personal favourites.   The best thing about Judith & Charles is how beautiful and feminine the clothes feel, especially the sheaths, which are an easy way to look great without fuss for work.  Just add jewelery and go!

 Yoko Dress ($365)
 Iris Dress ($375)

 Vicky Blouse, $270 & Dorian Skirt, $240

 This is all one pantsuit!  Just step out the shower and zip up!  Vegas Jumper, $495

 Crepe Dress, $350 (this one is already out in black at Holt's - I'm waiting for the beige!)

 To get a good appreciation for this dress, you have to feel it or be close to it.  The chocolate brown and black stripes are so rich.  Huxley Dress, $395

 Ilan Pant, $280

 Another Yoko Dress colour block combination $395
 Leather trim and a beautiful front vent make this a great fall piece.  
Aurora Dress, $495
 
How cute is this...
Cello Sweater, $250, Gladys Skirt, $265

There are tons more, especially a chocolate brown suit I have my eye on, but those were some of the highlights.  I almost can't wait for fall!

http://www.judithandcharles.com/en/lookbook/4/fall-11

Happy birthday to me!

So we went for a marathon shopping session.

Even for me - we were in Holt Renfrew for what felt like ages.  But it's hard to resist when there is a Summer Sale with amazing prices on tons of clothes I've been admiring for a long time.  But...it was not to be.  I had to fall in love with clothing that was regular priced.  Sigh!

So, armed with a big ol' pink Holt Renfrew gift card, and the delicious flavoured water they give out to customers, I bought a beautiful stone-coloured bag (Large Hamilton Bag $395) from Michael Kors that will look beautiful for the summer and beyond...

I originally wanted to also buy a sheath as well for an upcoming work trip to New York, but then I thought, why wouldn't I just buy some more clothes in the shopping capital of the world?  But I found a great cotton "canvas" Judith and Charles dress ($395) that could be both work day and weekend for the summer.  I lurrvve it and can't wait to wear it.



On another note, I decided to get a manicure with a twist!  Since I'll be away for work and quite busy in the next week or so I decided to get the CND Shellac manicure.  It feels great so far, it should last without chipping for two weeks and I'm really happy with the "Bubble Bath" light pink colour.  It was slightly more than a regular manicure but my nails are so thin I think it'll help with the upkeep.

Also, I got this lovely cuff from Tiffany & Co. from my boyfriend (Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff).  He's one of those guys that mentally files away things I say I like during the year.  The piece is absolutely gorgeous...a little bit tough but stunning in its curves. 

Also, can't wait to check out the new Milly NY store (900 Madison Avenue) when I'm in New York next week!   Milly, Kate Spade, Reiss are all high, high, high on my list for great shopping destinations when I visit!