Priceless Fashion

This morning I saw the most beautiful outfit I've ever seen on a woman at Tim Hortons. Although I did not have the guts to ask her if I could take her picture, I did my best to find a similar photo online so you could share with me in admiring her tenacity to pull of such a brave look. Her hair was pulled into a bun, still wet from the shower and no hair was let astray by the determined job of 4-5 clips. On her head she wore the most fitted beret.

Those women who trade in their dresses for a uniform deserve our respect and appreciation. As I stood next to her in line wearing my ruffled Kensie trench coat that just earlier that morning I had felt looked so smart, I felt that my outfit failed to inspire and did not deserve any attention whatsoever next to her. My failing this morning was in not telling her of my thoughts...so it's in my unexpressed gratitude that I write this blog today.

Totally Tube-u-lar dude.

Aldo's Collaboration with Flare Magazine

 

My prediction for the next big thing in shoes...tubes! And since this tubing looks seriously comfortable and stylish, I have a sneaky suspicion that this pair of Bish Shoes by Aldo and Flare Magazine is only the beginning of a new trend in footwear! And yes, I have a pair headed my way... I'll keep you posted on the comfort level!

I love the burst of orange, and since this is my favorite color this season, I'm excited to add this pair to my closet!

 

You Are Beautiful

Today I need to tell you about how I feel about you. While I do strongly feel that there is far too much judging of each other going on in our society, I also believe that we don't tell each other often enough about the positives. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. It's true. I love freckled noses, and peoples smiles that have character, I often envy girls who's curves know how to fill out their clothes. Today, it's pretty safe to say that everyone could easily list off a number of flaws they feel they have...and I bet it would take a lot longer for them to list the positives. It's sad, and wrong! You were created to shine!
Did you know that a recent study found that 53% of thirteen-year-old American girls are unhappy with their bodies. This number grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen. I cry when I think about this. I was that girl. In grade 4 I refused to wear short sleeves no matter how hot it got outside because someone had teased me about my arms being hairy. Now I realize, having strong hair genes has given me hair strong enough to withstand some grueling style experiments! (Visions of purple bangs in grade 10, unfortunately, no after pictures survived...you'd think the name "Plum" on the box would have tipped me off!) 
Beyond grade 4, and into my teen  years, I became painfully aware of my thinness. People often said "You're SO skinny!". It did not feel like a compliment. Why in this world have we decided that it's ok to judge each other so harshly? What happened to "Love one another"? Let me tell you, when I look at you, I don't think I see what you see. I see a beautiful smile, I enjoy your warm hugs, I love to make you laugh so I can see your eyes shine, and you mean so much more to me than you realize. I love fashion, yes it's true. But more than fashion...I love people.
If you have a little girl or boy in your life...give them a hug today and tell them how special they are. You have no idea the impact of your  words.
Dove's Self Esteem Movement

I LOVE  Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty  and I'm sure you've all seen this video that they put out, but it is a great reminder of what is real.
 

Evolution of a Model

In my Southgate Stylist search video, I made an ill-timed and inappropriate joke. I take this seriously. It pains me to think of causing anyone even a moment of insecurity.  I apologize sincerely and want you to know that I do not in any way promote dieting. Vote For Me HERE!!!

What I Want To Be When I Grow Up...

It's an amazing anomaly that the closer to 40 you get, the younger it appears. Not unlike the apparition of water on the hi-way that appears on a hot day as you drive. It alarms you and you think a terrible thing is coming, but once you get there, you realize it's not bad at all! Now, granted 40 is a few more years away for me, but not many, and as the people around me (Happy Birthday Dan!) reach the top of the hill, it looks to me like the view is pretty good from up there!

So as I think about the years beyond the top of the hill, I begin to wonder, "What will I be like, all grown up?". Will it be time to put away my skinny jeans? Does that mean I can count on one hand the years I have left to wear stilettos? Will the time soon come for me to embrace pleated slacks with runners?

I don't think so. 

No, to me the years beyond 40 are the golden years of fashion. The years when you finally come into your own style, you have the confidence to pull off the look you've spent years defining, and can carry a classy style without looking like you've borrowed your mom's blazer.



The 40+ girls I know and admire do not give up on wearing long hair, just because they think they're are too old. Most of my Aunts in are in their 50's and 60's and almost all of them have long hair, and it's beautiful! You are only as young as you feel, and sometimes I forget that I'm a grown-up!


Instead of turning my back on the fashions that I love, I know my style will continue to evolve into a more sophisticated version of what I have always been. My hem line in my 30's has dropped lower (along with other parts I care not to mention), and will likely continue in that general direction. A pencil skirt will take the place of the mini-skirt of my 20's, and I will eventually say no to jeggings, and add more trouser jeans to my closet, but I will never wear rollers in public.

                                                    Kelly Ripa in Trouser Jeans by Anlo Mara (Sold Out)
                                                                               - Age 41

Forever 21 Wide Leg Denim Trousers $27.80

A great example of this is my very own sister. She is at a turning point in her life, making a career change at the beginning of her 40's, from Teacher, to Public Relations and Communication. Although the two careers compliment each other through the use of words and information, the wardrobe required for each job is quite different. So it was with her future in mind that I took her shopping for the perfect power suit. 

It didn't take me more than a moment to realize the perfect place to find such a suit would be Le Chateau. This stunning red suit is from their new spring line and happens to be her favorite color. Paired with a patent nude shoe and matching top, she's ready to take on her new career with flair and confidence. These three pieces will be quite versatile in her current wardrobe as she can even wear the jacket with above mentioned trouser jeans! Or a crisp white blouse with the skirt alone would be a great look as well.

So from the top of the hill...take a deep breath of the fresh air of confidence!

Southgate Stylist Search 2011

If you asked me today "What's new?" or "How's it goin'?", you wouldn't get a pat "Nothin' or "Good". I would most definitely answer with something more along the lines of "WELL! I am having such a fabulous week! Great big news! I've been accepted as one of six finalists in Southgate Centre's Stylist Challenge!!!" 
Southgate Stylist Search

This is a fabulous opportunity for me to display my passion for fashion and call upon my years of experience. I am so looking forward to meeting the many new faces associated with this great event! A few of these people will be my five fellow contestants! (Good luck to you all in the weeks to come!) We will be attending the Southgate Style Lounge on Saturday and will compete in the first two challenges. One of these challenges is to style two mannequins from fashions from two Southgate stores. You need to attend this fab event because then you will get to watch live! As well, there will be great food by Earls, Music by DJ Mike Tomas, red carpet treatment, mini manicures from Eveline Charles and don't forget the prizes!

Southgate Center is renowned for it's commitment to the most fashionable Edmontonian and prides itself in impeccable customer service and an unforgettable shopping experience.  It is an absolute honor to have been chosen to be a part of this outstanding opportunity.
So join me on Saturday April 9 at 12:00pm Southgate Centre! But before you do, go to Southgate Centre's Facebook Page and "Like" them in order to get your invitation!

Southgate's Stylist program is a unique opportunity in Edmonton to have your own personal shopper for two hours  costing only a donation of $20(taxable!) to Suit Yourself !

Life's Too Short Not To SPAKLE? Every Day?

I adopted my motto "Life's too short not to sparkle every day" quite a few years ago. This mostly came from the years I spent wearing all things glittery in the pageant world. The rule there is "The more sparkles, the better!" , so I was always on the hunt for sparkly watches, suits, t-shirts, jewelry, eye-shadow, and lip gloss. After a few years, my closet was full of many sequins, jewels, and crystals, so daily dressing became a glittery affair. Thus, my motto was born.



To that end, I decided one day while at a craft store to emblazon my wall with the word SPARKLE. I tediously dug through the bin of large letters to find the ones I needed. When I got them home, I began to construct my project, but realized that I had somehow missed the letter "R". When my good friend Charity stopped by moments later, we were in complete hysterics with the idea that "Life is too short not to SPAKLE every day! 

Well, in all truth, it's not such a bad motto either. Here in the vitamin D deficient north, there are few of us who couldn't benefit from a bit of color. Now, don't take me too literally, keep in mind a "little dab will do ya!" (as I often hear during Kindergarten gluing projects).

Many feel that a daily make-up routine is just too overwhelming and time consuming. It is true, that at first you do need to take your time to make sure you do a decent job, but after a short while you will be able to breeze through a whole makeup application in under 15 min!
For those who would rather have 15 minutes more sleep in the morning...then consider my 5 minute routine...

Just a quick brushing of mineral powder foundation such as my favorite 







Arbonne's Mineral Powder Foundation w/ SPF 15




This Gives you skin such a beautiful natural looking glow without looking like your even wearing makeup and feels great on!


Next give your lids (along your lash line) a quick swipe of eyeshadow in a light shade of pink or gold or white, such as  L'oreal Wear Infinite in Sandy Shores
a swipe of mascara
and some lip gloss.
My absolute can't live without lipgloss... Nivea Lip shine in Cherry
Perfect for Canada's long dry winter months and looks soft and natural.