Irene Dress + Anthropologie Wants

One of the best things is finding something on sale that you regret not buying.  This was the case with the Irene Dress from Judith and Charles (Regular $295, Sale $209) from Holt Renfrew today.  I bought it in both the blue and white and love how it fits.  It's stretchy and has an almost knitted look to the fabric.  The shoulder detail is what makes it so different than just a solid sheath.

I saw these dresses that I'm dying to try on from Anthropologie on my next trip to NY (next weekend!)...Not so sure how the first one will look on me but I'm interested to see.  I think it looks like one of the more fun weekend dresses.

 Night-and-Day Dress, $158

Now this dress below is something special.  I love the a-line skirt and how it looks like it just beautifully flows and the top looks so gorgeous and lacy and feminine.  Date dress!  

Gathering Breeze Dress, $258

This Quilted Pastachi Dress, $228 looks gorgeous...I saw it in person but not long enough for more than a gaze.  The fabric did look quite heavy.  We'll see when I try it on.

I love the heavenly back details on this Strappy Dandelion Dress, $128, which has a great price point.

This is the perfect time for shopping summer sales.  There are such great deals and most of the summer is still left!  Holt Renfrew has fantastic sales on right now (lots of DVF styles on sale which is fantastic value as they are wearable through every season and never lose their style!)... I can't wait to see New York's sales too.  My cousins are here from abroad and, no doubt, they will want to hit all the great spots.  So I'm glad I'm able to accompany them.

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!

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 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).

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.

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.

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!

"No zippers; Diane doesn't like zippers." Why, exactly? "Because they wake up your lover when you're slipping back into your dress."

My cheeky quote is straight out of DVF's mouth when we were lunching.  I jest; it's actually from Style.com and I like her more if the quote is true.  Every woman feels beautiful in a DVF wrap dress.  I have two now (one is her green classic magazine cover, shown) and am hoping for the one below.  Blondes look great in blue!

 Beauty!

Judith and Charles Fall Show

I went to the Judith and Charles Fall show/event this past Wednesday and - Sacrebleu! dare I say it? - I almost can't wait until the cool weather starts again if for this line alone.  The patterns and colours are beautiful!  Lots of browns and blacks mixed together, and my favourite, lots of sheaths!  Lots of boyfriend blazers, and adorable and feminine suits.  Although the boyfriend/boxy jackets aren't made for my body type, I was really impressed with the diversity in the hemlines, vents and details.

I would have loved to have seen a catwalk, as I find it's so much more exciting and interactive when there are models wearing the clothes.  Jeanne Beker was a fun local celeb to see, in 6 inch platform slingbacks.  Impressive to say the least, and she looked gorgeous and uber-thin!  Who knew a glass factory could be so much fun?  They also gave the boot to the ambiguous "Teenflo" name.  I kinda liked it myself, but I think it confused potential customers.

Pics on the clothing to follow shortly...

Seriously? How did I not know about Asos before?

Stumbling through the web looking under key words on Google, "striped black and white dress" and somehow I found Asos.com, a site dedicated to amazing finds for amazing prices.  Not only do they have international free shipping, but the best part is you can see how the clothes fit on a model walking the runway.  So important!  I found that a few of the pieces I liked in pictures I didn't like so much on the runway.  But this is great because I found some details on other pieces I wouldn't have seen otherwise.  Great user experience to see for each and every piece of clothing!  Impressively, the site has Reiss clothing, which is so hard to find available otherwise...so few stores near me!

Another cute feature - when the model walks the runway a different song is played...many new bands and musicians I've discovered there!

Judith and Charles Summer 2011 Line

So this blog isn't just for clothes I bought but clothes I want too!  I was invited by one of the ladies at Judith and Charles to see the Fall 2011 line next week.  I can't wait to see what they've got!  I love the clothing as it's well made, Canadian and usually has lots of beautiful fabrics and patterns.  They've got great work suits and equally beautiful dresses.  And I love dresses!

I was particularly gaga for a couple of pieces in their Summer line, such as this beautiful beige-rose suit and this striped blouse ($260) which also came in a dress.

 

Some more fun necklaces...

I went to Chicago for business and managed to find some time to play dress up with some fun necklaces.  I loved this one so much that I bought it from Ann Taylor ($68)...what's better yet is that it comes with a pin on the back that changes the necklace to a brooch - very cute!  The cardinal necklace ($68) is also from Ann Taylor as well as the bib lace necklace ($98).  I have to give it to Ann Taylor for their hybrid of beauty and hardiness in their jewelery...any piece I've purchased has lasted much longer than any other "fashion" jewelery I've bought-en :)

 

 These are from Aldo and equally as cute, and extremely approachable in pricing...Aldo Hauth (Owl, $15) and Owl Bodziony (Bee, $12).

Came Late to the Party!

So I may have hopped on the animal jewelery bandwagon a tad late, but I'm making up for lost time!  I bought a couple cheapie animal pieces, such as the owl necklace and a peacock necklace and I just adore them.  I also ordered a bumble bee necklace from etsy just because these things are so eclectic and gorgeous and will always offer a conversation piece!

Retail Rant

From my experience in working in retail (which I sincerely believe everyone should have to do at some point in their life - it seriously helps in understanding why you should ask a salesperson to get the size you're looking for and not just pull from the bottom of the pile!), I was very interested in the turnover and the movement of items over to the sales area.  I became fixated (and quite frankly, still obide by) the principles of what you can wait to buy and what items will be snatched up at regular  price.  In a simple sum up, the staple items sell very quickly, the kitschy items will usually go unplucked and on sale.

I think we all have different pain points, as I was explaining to a colleague, in what we are willing to pay for certain pieces.  For me, for some reason, I will not spend an exorbitant amount of money on outerwear!  Louboutins will not be my next pump purchase in all likelihood (although I am dying for those red soles to follow me around town).   I will, on the other hand, spend $800 on a suit that I will have in my wardrobe just to look at!  I don't know why I do it but I do...here's one of the beauties I picked up that I just adore from Teenflo/Judith & Charles.  I really love this and almost want to wait for the perfect day/meeting/event to wear this to ($425 for the jacket, $275 for the skirt - which has beautiful draping at the waistline).  Until I do, it waits to be picked from the special area of my Clothing Capsule.  The girls at First Canadian Place Judith & Charles are amazing and will go to the moon to help you find what you're looking for in your perfect size!

In any case, I think my money needs to be better budgeted towards better cost-per-wear items that will add to my wardrobe, which involves higher price point for outerwear!

A little damage on the weekend...

So my lovely local Holt Renfrew sent me a card in the mail letting me know there was a fantastic promo on - a gift card to be used in the month of May for 25% of your purchases on all regular priced clothing!  (Eeeeekkkk!)

I found myself wandering around Pink Tartan and DVF while my boyfriend enjoyed the wake of my frenzy behind me.  I purchased a beautiful pink and white PT dress ($395), shown below with the sleeves rolled up.  It reminds me of a candy striper but so very cute for a dinner with friends or a day on the town.  And love that silk - great for travelling!

I think this is a dress that won't get stuck with a particular trend or fashion...I mean DVF has been doing her wrap dresses and they just don't go out of style!

I also picked up a beautiful blue Tahari dress on sale, half price ($159) and came THIS CLOSE (holding thumb and index finger millimeters apart) to buying a beautiful Theory navy blue suit.  I just couldn't fathom spending that much in one day, especially with Mother's Day coming up :)  I think it will look great with a white blazer for work.

Shout out to Holt's for their wonderful customer service as of late!  We've noticed lots of complimentary treats as you walk around the store and lots of people ensuring you're doing well (more customer service than sales people)...we received the promotion, a bottle of infused water and smiles!  Now, if only they could work on their seating for non-shopping partners...

And then...after a lovely lunch at Caren's wine bar with the beau, we wandered by Banana Republic, to my surprise, which was having a 40% off sale!  I bought a beautiful jacket in the most lovely light grey and white background ($240) as well as a bright bubble-gum pink linen blouse ($69).  I don't usually buy linen as it's too difficult to keep fresh looking, but this blouse was just beautiful, and will be great for the summer.  I actually think it will be cuter a bit wrinkled.  I'll post a picture of each when I can get one.

Also picked out this beautiful skirt (Kerri Skirt from Judith and Charles, $210) which is a wonderful A-line skirt for us pear shaped ladies...it flows beautifully with kind ruffles and is cotton, which is wonderfully breathable for summer.  This one is definitely a staple for the wardrobe!


Also, kudos to fellow bloggers at Beautycrazed.ca for always having the entire Judith & Charles collections, with pricing!  It's definitely good to be able to budget for these expenditures!