Mission:Fashionable

May 17 2013

Less Is More

Sweater- Forever 21, Blouse (underneath)- H&M, Cargos- Smart Set, Flats- Ardene

So I’m feeling that this series of photos could be used for an Irish tourism brochure. Just had to put that out there. Moving onward… I am going to make a statement, dear readers, that might seem a little shocking coming from me. *deep breath* Sometimes, you don’t need accessories. Holy crap, I said it. I never thought that I would say something of the sort, considering there’s more than one person out there that calls me the queen of accessories. But I put together this outfit the way I usually put my outfits together (laid it out on my bed piece by piece, then popped it on and did some jujshing) and then a strange thing happened.

I have a bit of a Coco Chanel mentality when it comes to accessorizing my outfits, and what I like to do is grab any possibility for bling and play around with different combinations until I come up with one that I like. But this eerily strange thing that happened was that I kept on playing and nothing worked. I kept on taking everything off. Except for my studs, which are usually foolproof and never go anywhere. Everything I put on seemed unsuitable, or fussy, or just didn’t go. So I took everything off (except the studs) and left it. And stranger still, I’m kind of ok with it! The sparkly studs on the sweater, the stylized preppy collar that created textural interest with contrasting fabrics, the pockets and gold zip detailing on the pants… yes I went to fashion school. But it was enough!

What do you think, lovely readers? I vote that it’s worth a shot! Based on my research, I can conclude that having a lot going on with your outfit clothes-wise means that it’s quite alright to give the blings and things the night off. Except the studs.

<3, L.

Tagged fashion, personal style, street style, spring, trends, Ardene, Forever 21, smart set, outfit post, H&M, chiffon, red ombre hair, studs, cargos, cargo pants, gold, gold zippers, curly hair, gold studs, knit sweater

May 15 2013

Simple and Simplicity

Dress- Joe Fresh, Necklace- Ardene, Bag- gifted, Shoes- TOMS

Hello dear readers, welcome to another outfit post! I’d like to start off giving my apologies to Jane Austen (who’s rolling over and retching in her grave right now) as well as any other fellow Austen devotees who are offended by the title of this post. I too am a little offended at my cheek; however, I really want to drive home today’s fashion mission: simplicity.

In case anyone who follows my goings-on at The Twenties Project has noticed, I’ve had some trouble sticking to my workout plan (I’m doing Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred, and I’m living to tell the tale!). Not because I don’t want to, or that I’m lazy or unmotivated. I’d love to wear a bikini for the first time since I was 12. But keeping in typical form of Grade A honesty, life happens. Life gets in the way. It knocks you down and it picks you back up and shakes you around, and at the end you either get a milkshake or a very acute sense of realism. I got some realism. But I could really go for a milkshake. Anyways, the long winded point that I’m trying to make is that during times like these when life is a juggling act and less is less and excessive is more, it can be wonderful and euphoric to get dressed in 5 minutes, look GORGE, and move on.

Now don’t be fooled, I may look happy and laid-back in those pictures, but this day was one heck of a day. Not bad, just super busy. The major hint? Didn’t do my hair. Literally woke up, flipped it to one side, done. But this $10 (yep, that’s 10 buckaroonies) dress was a life saver- I was comfy, it was weather appropriate, didn’t ride up (as tight dresses and skirts are known to do on me) and was anything but fussy. Didn’t even have to think about it. The only thinking I did was “Wow, what a great outfit for a blog post.”. So if a blogger can do it, why can’t you? Find something (anything!) that’s super simple and easy and keep it in a coveted spot in your wardrobe so whenever you’re in a pinch (woke up late? no inspiration? wardrobe malfunction? bailing your grandma out of jail?), you can save your brain power for more important things. Like how you’re going to explain to your mom that Granny’s got a chequebook full of other peoples’ cheques…

<3, L.

Tagged Ardene, fashion, joe fresh, natural waves, red lips, red ombre hair, simple dress, simple fashion, simple style, spring, street style, stripes, TOMS, trends, wavy hair, white crochet TOMS

May 10 2013

2 Comments

commentary, fashion, inspiration, jokes, Outfit Post, personal style, resolutions, spring, trends

You Are An Obsession

Shirt- Joe Fresh, Necklace- vintage, Belt- H&M, Jeans and Ring- Ardene, Flats- Old Navy

Anybody else just start pulling out the 80s dance moves? Am I the only one who knows that song? Go search ‘Obsession’ on YouTube, then come back and read this post, because reading is what you do, dear readers.

So why am I talking about obsessions? Because I think I’ve got a few that I’d like to get off my chest, including what is turning out to be my notorious half-tuck. I don’t know how or why it happened, but all of a sudden, over the past few weeks I’ve had this weird need to half tuck in my shirts. To be honest, it kind of works for my body shape (trust me peeps, having a hourglass body shape is not actually as wonderous and desirable as it seems) because it allows me to sport something slightly oversized without losing my proportions. And to be even more honest, I think it looks stylishly relaxed. And to be frank and blunt, it’s damn comfy. Yeaaaaaaah budddaaayyyy.

I feel confident in sharing this little editorial tweaking obsession with you guys because obsessions like this are actually a good thing! Unlike obsessions with velour. Or Justin Bieber. Or like that weird show, “My Secret Obsession” I think it’s called. I’m too scared to watch that. And “Hoarders”. Ugh.

But seriously though, developing little obsessions and habits with the details of your outfits are what makes you you! Anyone can wear cool clothes and accessories, but tailoring your wardrobe with personal tweaks and touches creates identity and individuality- and remember, it’s all about representing exactly who you are with your daily outfits. Maybe you like wearing your necklaces as bracelets. Maybe you can’t help but distress every pair of jeans you own. Maybe it’s impossible for you to leave the house without pushing up your sleeves. Don’t apologize for or deny what you like! Whatever your obsession is, it doesn’t need explanation, justification, rationalization, Rhythm Nation, Shining Time Station…

Maybe I need to stop obsessing over my innate need and ability to rhyme at any given moment. I can’t think of anything that rhymes with moment.

<3, L.

Tagged personal style, styling, street style, blogger, outfit of the day, fashion blog, jeans, details, accessories, Ardene, old navy, joe fresh, outfit post, Toronto, H&M, detailing, editiorial, flannel shirt, belt, ballet flats, vintage jewellery, casual style

May 08 2013

2 Comments

commentary, fashion, inspiration, Outfit Post, personal style, spring, trends

Keeping Up Appearances

Sweater and belt- H&M, Sunglasses- Smart Set, Skirt- Forever 21, Shoes- TOMS

Sweater and belt- H&M, Sunglasses and Necklace- Smart Set, Skirt- Forever 21, Shoes- TOMS

Guess who’s baaaaaack dear readers? It’s me, L. In case you didn’t know who I was. Sometimes even I don’t. But now that we’re all on the same page about my identity, I wanna talk to you lovely people about weekends. I live for them. Now that I seem to be a bit of a 9 to 5er with some unwanted limitations on my work wardrobe, I’ve been really trying to shop within my closet in my free time to keep my creative juices flowing. At the same time though, I also use weekends to dress a bit more casually, since my workplace requires dressiness (even with jeans!). So why do I bother mentioning these facts when I’m clearly in a skirt? Because every second Saturday, I’ve got a hot date with my grandpa.

My grandpa is one of my three main men (my daddy, my grandpa and my hubby <3) and he’s a really important part of my life. I know that he’ll love me no matter what I wear, but I like to make an effort for him when we drive 2 hours to rural Ontario to see him. But just because I’m not in sweats doesn’t mean that I ain’t comfy. Sorry, mentioning rural areas brings out the country bumpkin in me.

I like to keep the principle in mind (although this has never happened to me as of yet, knock on wood) that you should always be prepared and presentable just in case you run into someone you know. Quite similar to the principle stating you should always wear nice matching underwear in case you get hit by a bus and are saved by a hot fireman. Which has happened to me, only it was the emergency room and the epicly blue-eyed resident doctor. It sucked. My point is that presentability and comfort can and should be acheivable- with a simple dress, a sweater/skirt combo à la moi, classic jeans and a soft tee.. even a hoodie and sweats can command elegance! Yep, good quality and clean, body-flattering cuts = L.-approved loungewear. Whether you’re making an effort for someone special in your life or not (even on your off-days), you owe it to yourself above all to never be sloppy, frumpy or drab. You’re too wonderful to have clothes that don’t do you justice!

And hey, my grandpa even asked me if tucking my sweater half in was “the latest trend”. Coming from an insanely dapper 91 year old, I think I aced this mission.

<3, L.

P.S. Yes, I have ombré hair! Expect a upcoming post on how and why I did it, and if you have any comments or questions give me a shout!

Tagged 9 to 5, comfort, dresses, elegance, Forever 21, H&M, hoodies, jeans, necklaces, outfit posts, skirts, smart set, soft tees, spring style, street style, sunglasses, sweaters, sweats, TOMS, weekend wardrobe, weekend wear, well dressed, work wardrobe

Jan 10 2013

2 Comments

commentary, fashion, inspiration, Outfit Post, personal style, trends

Oh You Fancy, Huh?

Watch- Forever 21, Pearl Bracelets- Thrifted, Sparkly Bracelets- Ardene

Blazer- H&M, Top- Smart Set, Leggings- American Apparel, Flats- Urban Outfitters

You know dear readers, it seems that I’ve fallen into a bit of a confused slump. As many of you I’m sure could relate, post-grad young adulthood seems to be a big emotional mashup of childhood, puberty and a new and unstable sense of maturity. And the last thing you want need to worry about is the clothes on your back. If you can afford some while paying off student loans- muahahahah. Ah, such is my life. But of course, in my true worrywart nature, some of my insecurities of old have been coming back to haunt me as of late (or maybe they were lying dormant?), but the one I want to talk about the most is fanciness. I didn’t realize that was a real word, but spell check isn’t correcting me, so I’m going to just go with it. Although I find I’m naturally drawn to silks and chiffon, glitter and cashmere, and fashion that feels and looks luxurious (I’m a Taurus, what can I say?), I’ve always been worried about looking too fancy. I can’t trace this fear back to a specific period or event in my life, but somewhere along the line I starting equating fanciness with silliness and shallowness. In fact, growing up during the time that I did in the community that I did, it’s little wonder I felt that way with the fact that my peers funded the “loungewear chic” trend and consequently the yoga pants empire. So I suppose it was better at the time to slip on my fake Uggs and do the best I could to fit in. But now I’m older (sigh) and wiser (indeed!), and you know what? I don’t care anymore. I’ve got much more important things to worry about than spandex, downward dog and designer water. And not only that, but if we choose to believe in the concept of YOLO, we’ve only got a certain amount of time to get our glam on. So stop waiting around for your red carpet début, your editorial photo shoot for Vogue or your date with Prince Charming at the ball! Take a bubble bath, eat a bar (or five) of chocolate, curl your hair and slip on something special, because being fancy isn’t silly, nor frivolous, nor shallow- it’s taking time to make yourself a priority and prove that you are worth a spit and polish every once in a while. Although not real spit. That’s yucky.

<3, L.

Tagged accessories, American Apparel, Ardene, blazer, chiffon, fancy, fashion, flats, Forever 21, glamourous, glitter, H&M, high school, jewellery, leggings, loungewear, Lululemon, peer pressure, peers, personal style, sequins, shine, shiny, silk, smart set, sparkles, street style, Taurus, thrifted, thrifting, TNA, Toronto, trends, Uggs, Urban Outfitters, yoga pants

Jan 09 2013

1 Comment

Blogger Crush of the Month, fashion, inspiration, personal style, trends

Blogger Crush of the Month- Daniela of “Nany’s Klozet”

I’m so happy to be able to start the new year off with a big healthy dose of fashion inspiration for you guys from a fellow blogger- one of my favourites! My January Blogger Crush of the Month is the beautiful and fun Daniela of Nany’s Klozet, one of my go-to blogs for a long time now. Daniela is a fashion student based in Miami that has really got everyday fabulousness down to an art. In addition to her daily outfit posts, she innovatively wears key pieces in her wardrobe in tons of different ways and showcases them in her “remix” posts, and also teams up with a few of her blogging friends to challenge their readers to try a different trend or look- and we all know how I love me my fashion challenges! One of my favourite things about Daniela’s personal style is how she focuses on details. In every outfit she puts together and in every piece she owns, there’s something special to it, whether it’s a little glitter here, a little cut-out there, or simply a friendly and fun “Bonjour!” on her belt. She graciously agreed to answer my most burning questions, so keep scrolling to read (while enjoying some of my favourite recent looks of hers!)

1. What’s your favourite colour? My favorite color has always been purple, even though I’m loving burgundy this season.

2. Where do you get your fashion inspiration from? I get fashion inspiration from … everywhere: magazines, other bloggers, Tv shows, runways, etc.

3. What’s your dream career? My dream career would be to be the fashion editor of a hispanic fashion magazine.

4. What’s your least favourite trend ever and why? My least favourite trend is: flatforms…they aren’t flattering at all!

5. What’s been your worst fashion moment to date? Let’s see.. my “worst fashion moment”: those terrible super low jeans that we used in the beginning of the 2000′s!

6. What’s your favourite type of blog post to produce and why? I love doing outfits of the day because it shows my everyday style.

7. If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? I guess it would be something very classic: dark jeans and a white blouse. I hope at least I would be able to switch accessories.

So yes, in case anyone hasn’t figured it out yet, Daniela and I could probably be twins, since I think I’d probably answer all of those questions in the same way. It’s not like I study her life or anything. I swear. A huge epic thank you goes out to Daniela for taking the time out of her busy schedule to participate in my little gush sesh’. If you haven’t checked out her blog yet, for shame! Redeem yourself now, here is the link: http://www.nanysklozet.com. And make it a mission (as I am doing) to participate in one of her challenges- they’re super fun! If you dear and lovely readers want to see proof of my participation, let me know with a comment below! Clearly someone got a rhyming dictionary for Christmas…

<3, L.

Tagged blogger, blogging, Daniela Ramirez, fashion, fashion blog, fashion crush, girl crush, inspiration, Miami, Nany's Klozet, outfit post, personal style, street style, student, style, trends

Jan 07 2013

1 Comment

personal style, trends, fashion, inspiration, commentary, Outfit Post

My Signature Piece

Sweater- Old Navy, Top- Majora, Leggings and Necklace- Ardene, Boots- Forever 21

Dear readers: It snowed. Therefore, I am miserable. Call me a party pooper, call me a wimp, but based on the fact that I’m one of those little old ladies who is cold 365 a year, winter and I are old enemies. I’m sure I’ve already bored you poor people with talk of the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather and transitioning your wardrobe from season to season in a reasonable and smart way. You get the picture. But for the past few years, winter has been made a little easier by my good friend, pictured above. That’s right, I’m talking about the sweater. And I am so in love with it that I actually call it my friend. Some refer to it as the “Snuggie”, a.k.a. the blanket with sleeves. A few people close to me believe that I’ve evolved and grow it as a winter layer every year over my regular skin. Ha. Ha. Ha. Make fun of me as much as you’d like, but I’ve found my clothing soul mate and y’all are just jealous. This big cozy sweater can be dressed up or down, fits me well, goes with practically everything in my wardrobe, was a great price, and to me it’s special and unique. Not to brag, but I haven’t seen many people walking around with something like this on, have you? Now I won’t go as far as saying that every lovely little reader of this post needs to go out and buy something like this (unless you want to, then by all means, come over to the cozy side), but what I do recommend for the next fashion mission is to start out on a search for a garment or a piece that is your “signature”. It doesn’t have to be practical, nor ground-breaking, nor boring, nor trendy. The only requirement is that it’s a part of your style that you can use to define yourself (and that others will peg you as “famous” for). Maybe it’ll be skinny jeans that show off your legendary gams. Or purple statement necklaces, because that’s your favourite colour (as is mine!). How about a gorgeous silk peasant blouse, because you love to channel Ali McGraw a la 1970s? As long as it’s a good representation of who you are, embodies your personal style in a nutshell, and you’re in LOVE with it, you know you’ve got a winner. Exactly like my Snuggie, whose name is yet to be determined.

<3, L.

Tagged fashion, personal style, street style, boots, trends, Ardene, weather, leggings, Forever 21, old navy, sweater, snuggie, fair isle, winter, cozy, warm, signature, piece, blanket, snow, Toronto

Jan 04 2013

1 Comment

Celeb Crush of the Month, commentary, fashion, inspiration, Oscar fashion, personal style, red carpet, trends

Celebrity Crush of the Month- Amanda Seyfried

January’s Celebrity Crush of the Month is quite an obvious choice, fact being that Amanda Seyfried also happens to covet the title of being one of my girl crushes. An honour, I know. But truth be told, not only am I a huge fan of her dramatic and musical talent, I’m a huge fan of her wardrobe. Much like any celebrity out there, I’m sure that she has access to designer duds that any girl would easily be jealous of, but what really makes me jealous (in a inspirational way, not in a Carrie-esque way) is that you know that she doesn’t even blink an eye when she gets dressed. Don’t believe me? Take a look.

The key to channeling one’s inner Amanda Seyfried is simplicity and function- if it’s cold, put on a sweater. Going to a fancy party? Wear a nice dress. Walking Finn (my dog crush)? Put on some sneakers, and don’t forget your sunglasses. Unfortunately for many celebrities (and others), common fashion sense isn’t their strong suit and I vote for enough of the trampling through the snow in open-toes stilettos and mini skirts. Simplicity and function however, doesn’t mean that your personal style has to be boring. Maybe she’s unfussy and uncomplicated, but she’s anything but boring. Her warm sweater against the cold is asymmetrical, her fancy party dress is a brilliant blue, her sneakers are her worn-in Converses that she’s had since she was a teenager and her sunglasses are vintage. So to continue to keep it simple while remaining interesting, here are my picks.

I always go by the saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, so my choices are meant to be beautiful and simple clothes that don’t compete with a beautifully simple woman. Classic and simple shapes with a little bit of drama to them compliment Amanda’s body shape, lifestyle and personal taste. And damn has that girl got some. Now to contemplate whether to grow out my hair and dye it blond and trade in my kitten for a dog. Nah, she’s more beast than cat anyways. My kitten I mean, not Amanda.

<3, L.

Tagged Amanda Seyfried, awards shows, celebrity, celebrity dogs, celebrity pets, crush, dogs, fashion, fashion crush, girl crush, Les Miserables, personal style, red carpet, street style

Jan 01 2013

1 Comment

fashion, inspiration, Outfit Post, personal style, trends

Time to Say Goodbye

Blouse- Joe Fresh, Camisole- Smart Set, Leggings- Ardene, Necklace- Forever 21, Boots- Old Navy

Ladies and gents, boys and girls, dear readers one and all: This is going to be a really tough post to write because I’m admitting I have a problem. Well, I have tons, but this is a fashion-related problem. Don’t worry, no Dr. Phil alerts here. My problem is a bit of a snowball- as a result of me being cheap, and frugal, and not having a huge closet that I healthily rotate, I wear through my things quite often… and I just can’t let them go. Exhibit A: These boots. There’s not one thing that I don’t like about them: the colour, the fit, the details, the comfort level, the price (!) were all reasons why these were a great buy for me. However, please note I’m using the past tense. They are almost 5 years old. And in case you can’t quite make out from the pictures, these poor boots look like they’ve been through a war. And I guess they kind of have. There are holes in the toes and holes in the soles- and some holes in the ground where these boots need to goes! Sorry, I get possessed by a Dr. Seuss-like poltergeist once in a while. But really though, I can’t even wear them if the ground is wet because it’s a guarantee that my socks and therefore feet will be too. Now, it doesn’t make any sense to keep things that are broken or that you’ve grown out of or that for whatever reason you can’t wear anymore. Of that I’m fully aware. So why can’t I get rid of them? See above. I’m cheap, I’m frugal, and in case anyone hasn’t noticed, I get sentimentally attached to material things. I still have almost all of my stuffed animals. I’ve kept all of my graduation dresses (yep, even from Grade 6). I’ve even amassed a ribbon collection, because I can’t bear to see pretty ribbon thrown in the garbage. But you know what, readers? It’s time to put this hoarder-esque behavour to an end. Memories are just that- memories, and when it comes to your clothes, accessories and even makeup, you have to learn to relive those pieces and outfits without resigning yourself to wearing broken and old things for the rest of your life. Take pictures! Write in your journal! And if it’s things that you can find another purpose for, why not? Put small items in shadow boxes and put them up on your wall, or hang up old clothes on a hook or your closet door for inspiration. As for these boots, I’ve considered trying to save them, but after taking a long hard look at them, I don’t think I can. And although I must admit that it’s a little anxiety-provoking to picture them in the garbage, I know that somewhere out there is a pair of boots that fit me just right, that are comfy and at a great price, that’s waiting for me to take them home to make a ton of new memories. And that’s one thing I know for sure. Oprah.

<3, L.

Tagged accessories, Ardene, boots, cheap, clothes, fashion, Forever 21, frugal, joe fresh, memories, nostalgia, old navy, smart set, style, wardrobe

Dec 12 2012

L.’s “Gem Crush” Review

Hello lovely readers! I’ve been going through some crazy changes recently, including changes involving my weekly schedule, so while I figure out where my time now goes and how to manage said time (and to schedule sleeping), here’s my review of the new Sally Hansen “Gem Crush” Nail Polish collection! Let me know what you guys think of the video- and if you’ve tried them out too, share your own review ! And then my next video will be a review of how much it sucks to be waking up at 5:30 in the morning again…

<3, L.

Tagged beauty, Christmas, drugstore, festive, gem crush, glitter, holidays, manicure, nail polish, nails, pedicure, review, sally hansen, sparkle

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