I need a new coat to keep me warm!

Which means I need to look at some new outerwear, among my favourite things that Elie Tahari creates, aside from beautiful sheaths for work, is feminine, classic coats.  And I have my eye on a particular one in winter white...dare I?

What makes this piece so desirable for me is the collar and the length - just below the knee, the best place for a coat to land in my opinion - most flattering and covers most skirts.  (Side note: my pet peeve is when a skirt is longer than a coat, when both are meant to be longer.)  Both make it a great, wearable to work, after work functions and events.  The I even love the "country apple" colour, although I've never been a fan of how it looks on me, I think it is such a deep cranberry it could work on most complexions.  I predict this will be my winter splurge.

Elie Tahari Shawl Collar Wool Coat, $728

Oh, and a review to the Anthropologie Four Corners Dress

I was really so excited to put on the Four Corners Dress.  I know my style is a bit conservative, probably driven more by my career than anything, but I thought this Paisley pattern (I capitalize as the pattern is named after a town in Scotland) with beautiful oversized sleeves would be beautiful addition to my wardrobe...it was not meant to be for me.  As an hour glass shaped gal, the bottom was just too tight and it ended up looking like an odd mini dress...

So instead of this:

 it actually looked like this shape:

And was unfortunately not what I had in mind.   This is definitely a try on before ordering dress.  For me anyway.

Chicago: Incoming!

My New York trip was very expensive in July with the family as I had treated my cousins to their trip, so I've been a good girl as of late and refraining from shopping.  But I have picked up a few different pieces that are going to be great year in-year out. 

Like my Club Monaco Jane Trench Coat...this coat is absolutely gorgeous.  The silk lining is so luxurious feeling and the length is perfect, hitting exactly at the knee.  When I tried on this coat I look like I lost about 20 lbs with the way it snugs in at the smallest point at my waist.  I have a few trench coats but I think I'll be selling off my others for this one!  A great price point for a gorgeous, flattering and timeless coat.

Club Monaco Jane Trench Coat, $298

I'm leaving for Chicago on Sunday for work and can't wait to visit my fave Chicago store, Nordstrom!  The customer service in Nordstrom is really quite unparalleled.   I'm excited to see the DVF collection and try on a few fall wrap dresses as well as Milly and the new Armani jackets.  I love, love, love the fall and especially the autumn colours and clothes.  

I have some failed efforts at purging (in the healthy way), and selling off some clothing, purses and Lululemon gear (I'm a collector, not a wearer - despite my best efforts at a regular gym schedule), and what proceeds should be going toward other things, they have been going toward new things...so in essence, I'm just updating my wardrobe, not paring down.  I bought a few Lululemon gym bags that usually serve as my laptop or every day bags.   Lululemon Pure Bag in Tweed/Flannel (shown below) and one in the same shape in a black and white Houndstooth with splashes of red in the zipper/pockets area.

Lululemon Pure Bag (from a previous year)

Hopefully my workouts will be more regular with these beautiful bags (I say, with my hands behind my back and coyly twisting my right foot on the toe).

Buys from Judith & Charles

I had a few important meetings in my future, and in true New York style, thought it best to wow with some Pre-Fall Judith & Charles buys!  The beauty of Judith & Charles is also what makes it difficult for cataloging: beautiful pieces that aren't on every woman you see.  I bought two classic pieces: a camel wool blend pencil skirt that falls just below the knee, and a pair of black stretch pants that fall like a dress pant.  Very flattering - the most flattering pair of pants I've ever owned.  As Natalie from Judith & Charles said, "you can do squats in them!" - she was right!

I am definitely a fan of the Equestrian Jackets by Smythe (most jackets are around $695).  I love the elbow patches!  Also love that all the clothing is Canadian made.

Sold at TNT and Holt Renfrew in Canada and Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Nordstrom in the U.S.

Dresses at Anthropologie

Everyone I know loves how much I love wearing dresses...so easy to wear, so easy to run out the door with.  Just add accessories and go!  Sundresses are great for weekends and sheathes are just as easy for work, and much more comfortable than a skirt (which always seem to shift 180 degrees on me by the time I've walked any distance, no matter how small).

I'm lucky that dresses are in style now and many designers make dresses that have a jacket that can be work with it.  Although, if dresses weren't in style, I'd probably still wear them.  Teenflo/Judith & Charles make beautiful sheathes, Anthropologie also makes some beauties...Club Monaco, Armani, Hugo Boss, Milly (although less business friendly) as well.  I'm already thinking about the fall and some of the colours that will look gorgeous so I've added a few pieces from Anthropologie that are just gorgeous that I hope to try on this weekend!  My shopping budget this month has been absolutely gutted as I treated my cousins to their hotel in New York which really put a dent in my discretionary budget.  It kills me because all the fall collections are coming in right now!

 Sea Nettle Shift, $188
More of a fun dress but I can make this one happen for work.

 Skyscraper Dress, $298

More of a want than a need...but if I had an occasion for this, it would be in my closet!

Four Corners Dress, $298

I will be a better person when I have this dress.

Skweez

There have been many, MANY times when I've searched for undergarments to help me looking line-free.  I love fitted dresses and skirts, so seamless is the name of the game  There doesn't seem to be much out there that looks pretty when you take it off.

In Bridget Jones' Diary, she compares undergarments that every woman understands.  The lacy underwear: looks great when the clothes are off, however, the granny panties: looks great when clothes are on (only!)...

Jill Zarin is pushing her brand affiliation Skweez (www.skweezcouture.com) which looks gorgeous, does its job and you're able to take your clothes off in front of your chosen audience without a blush!  She had a launch party and the stuff looks quite lovely!

All I know is that lace can make it nice looking but the silicone keeps it in place!  A must have for any strapless bra, thigh-high nylons or shorts.

Milly

I haven't been able to visit the flagship Milly store yet (900 Madison Ave, NY)...and have never really found my size in the local Holt Renfrew, as the larger 8-10-12 sizes are usually sold out by the time I get there.  Perhaps I need to find myself a Milly connection at Holts!  But I vow to go the next time I'm in New York.  Last time it came down to budget - I just spent too much by the second day!  However, like every store right now, they have a great sale on for end of season clothing; here are a few of my favorites.

Same dress, different models.  Beautiful both ways.  Caroline Maxi Dress, $495 (marked to $297)

Marcella Combo Dress, $375 marked down to $225

Justene Dress, $375

Adrienne Dress, $345 (note the beautiful and feminine lace at the shoulders)

Details make the dress!

More Anthropologie!

I think a little bit of Anthropologie goes a long way...I see some women that must shop nowhere but Anthropologie and it looks too hippie-ish for me.  But I do love the summer dresses...so I bought another!  I tried this on and left without it a few times in the last couple weeks but something kept drawing me back so this time I bought it.  It's gorgeous and so different from what I'd usually choose in colour palette.  And I just love those one piece dresses that look like they are two pieces.

Lila Frock, $158 US/$188 CDA (grrr!)

I also stopped by my favourite store, Judith & Charles, and tried on dress after dress...all of which is gorgeous and so beautifully made!  I was really impressed with how everything fit.  In particular, the Dorian Skirt and Vicky Blouse were so feminine and demure, reminding me of clothing from Mad Men.  

Vicky Blouse, $270 and Dorian Skirt, $240

Iris Dress, $375

Spending the day outdoors tomorrow so I am looking forward to getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D (with sunscreen of course!) and wearing a sundress.

New York Buys

A trip to New York always means a shopping trip, even if I was here for another reason...like work.  This visit was mostly fun with a little bit of work, which was early on the trip.  It's also one of the longer visits to New York - 5 days!

From Anthropologie, the Gathering Breeze Dress ($258, below) was absolutely gorgeous on, back ordered on the website until late August and sold out at the store...that is, until the sales woman working with me came skipping to my room as she had found my size in the store!  Thrilled, I tried it on and it felt and looked as beautiful as I had hoped.   So happy, I bought it.

I went to Kate Spade Soho, which had some serious sales, and picked up this beautiful piece, the Maire Dress, Regularly $395, marked down to $277 plus 25% off!

I have done well so far...with some goodies from Benefit - Cha Cha Tint (a coral skin and lip tint), Brow Zings (eyebrow kit) and Play Sticks (foundation and complexion enhancer) and Banana Republic camisole with adjustable straps ($39, Monogram Collection at Banana Republic).

I use this brow kit (Brow Zings in Light) every day - tweezers aren't so great but the combination of wax and powder keeps your makeup on!

 

Play Sticks (in Paper Dolls) which feels beautiful on the skin...light with just enough coverage. 

 Cha Cha Tint - beautiful on light skin tones

Banana Republic Monogram Crossover Cami, $39

That will likely conclude my shopping experience...with the exception of Tiffany's as I brought my Elsa Peretti Cuff to be sized and will be buying an Elsa Peretti Bean Necklace for Mum, $175, for cat-sitting while we were gone.  It has significance as my nickname was "Bean" to my parents, so I think Mum will be happy.

Kate wears Reiss for Canada Day!

Gorgeous Kate wears the white Reiss dress again for her visit to Canada!  She's so lean and looks fantastic in everything she wears.  Reiss must love having her for their un-paid spokesperson!

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.