Winterpeg, Christmas and My New Camera

While I would like to make a triumphant return to the blogging world with the latest fashion advice or my fabulous holiday outfits, I must admit I have really been curled up next to the fireplace reading book after book over the winter break... So while I catch up on the fashion world myself I may as well give you a teaser of the fun I have been having with my new baby- the best christmas present ever - the Canon Rebel EOS DSLR.

I stopped by the sparkling Assiniboine park one night around witching hour. My favorite time of day wherever I am -- before and after sunset when the sky is colorful but the air that surrounds you casts grey shadows. The perfect lighting for my new camera to get broken in...

Winter White

Whoever said "don't wear white after labour day" must have been a very messy person. The only reason I could think of for not doing it, is the possibility your whites could dirty with the fall leaves, grass and snow... but I am not rolling around outside, are you?

Unless you were living under a rock with no access to the internet or fashion magazines, you probably bought a white blazer this summer. And now it is probably in the back of your closet wasting space and looking lonely. 

Well, grab it. Paired with dark colours, leathers, suedes, and furs, there's nothing more scrumptious than a winter white. 

Worn during my birthday shopping spree below with my new grey faux fur headband, leather skirt and grey stripes. 

Happy Belated Halloween...

xxx. 

What comes after Halloween? My birthday.

Looks like I really will be having Breakfast at Tiffany's all throughout the week... pondering my wishes until I blow out the 19 candles on my cake, Sunday.

What on earth am I going to wear?

Payday Pick-Me-Ups

So, you just got paid and you're feeling pretty good. 

But then you pay your phone bill, your visa, and you buy lunch... suddenly your planned weekend shopping spree is starting to look like more of a chore than something to look forward to. 

You planned on revamping your entire wardrobe to fit Fall 2010, and soon enough the winter season ahead, but how will you do it now?

Rather than buying an entire new wardrobe (which would be nice for all of us) here are a few small and extremely easy ways you can update your wardrobe to fit the trends and make that hard earned cash go as far as possible. 

1. Essie Fall Collection Mini Set- 4 pc: for just $12 at your local salon store, get the season's hottest trends in nail colours.  Military green, vivacious red, chocolate brown and a warming grey purple. I just bought the set... and I feel like I'm changing my nail color with the day of the week.

2. Badgley Mischka Leopard Bag: You know you need some pop in your life, and you know you have an inner wild side. This bag is perfect for any girl who has a simple wardrobe and wants a burst of something exciting. GO TO WINNERS. GO. NOW. Winners is bursting with Badgly Mishka's fall collection, which means you can get this exact bag for just $129. As long as the other girls who read this blog haven't beat you there...

3. The Infinity Scarf: Red is the color. Be it a leather bag, shoes, belt, dress, WEAR red this season. American Apparels infinity scarf is the most comfortable, affordable and chic way to do it. For only $34, you'll have enough left over for a crepe across the street (Winnipeggers?)..

4. Camel Wool Brimmed Hat: The best way to keep warm in our climate is to layer, layer, layer and make sure all body parts are covered, that's including your noggin'. Remember the thing I said about wearing red? Do it with camel too. And hey? When functionality meets fashion, we are all happy girls. This hat is only $19.99 on a Market Works site, but can be found at most hat/accessory stores that old men shop at. For some reason people are often scared to wear hats, but push away the fear and rock it like the french woman you wish you were. 

Congrats, you just spend $195. 

Feeling better yet? 

Convicted

C.L. Convicted

Charge: Looking too good

My recent lack of posting can be attributed to too much work, lack of camera cord AND my recent obsession with cooking and recipes... maybe I'll start adding in food to this blog...

Ever since I made killer chocolate caramel skor squares at thanksgiving and delicious red pepper steak dinner for my family when I was home, Ive been planning my meals around the most interesting thing I can find in cookbooks - last nights selection: homemade tomato salsa tilapia. Now, I just need to host a dinner party to share my new found food love. 

Until then, my roommate will continue to tromp around Toronto outdoing me in the fashion department. Always looking effortlessly stylish, put together but yet so comfortable. How does she do it? 

"Simplicity" says Lawrence. 

"I'm more concentrated on getting to where I want to go while being comfortable, I don't want to have to be yanking and pulling at things all day to keep them on, or only be able to wear an item with certain things"

Hmmm, seems like the only thing I do with my wardrobe is yank and pull, perhaps I need to do a closet overhaul.

Gray on Bay

A gray Saturday in late September calls for boot shopping, warm coffee, and book reading. C and I celebrated the brisk weather by doing exactly that. But not before a fun "photo shoot" on our rooftop. This place is great for tanning, cooking steaks or entertaining guests, but we like it best when we have it all to ourselves, away from the noise of this crazy city. 

Over the knee socks is our new favorite thing... wear them before you need full tights!

Isn't she cute?... but the last picture really means"Stop taking my picture"

Perhaps a bit too sassy for shopping and relaxing, but I couldn't help but whip out my new sheer top. It will go with literally everything, I will definitely be caught wearing it several times more. 

It even make my clown pants look good... hey Kate? 

The Shopahallic Guide to Boots

     Sorry for the lack of recent posts, I took a minor leave of absence from my blogging to fully immerse myself in my new Journalism school and concentrate on my sudden bout of published writing jobs! (Also, I forgot my camera cord back in Winnipeg so I have several amazing shots on a camera waiting to be uploaded... expect big things!) Anyway, all I think about these days are boots and chunky sweaters... SO here we go..(yes it's long but by the end you will have so many ideas!)

            Every fall as the leaves start to turn and the days become shorter, girls all over the northern hemisphere begin to ponder what to wear on their feet each morning when they walk out of their homes. As the cold winter ahead becomes more evident, the issue becomes more pressing. What do I wear to stay warm, dry, comfortable AND stylish? Thanks to the millions of girls asking the same footwear question each winter, finally the fashion gods have answered our cries.

The Wellie:

            For the fashionistas who face rain or slushy snow in the winter, have no fear – there is a solution to your sopping wet UGG boots. Rain boots have never been more trendy. Perfect for the days when its pouring rain or the snow has just started to melt, or when you just want to look cute. The infamous Hunter makes classic styles to be worn perfectly with jeggings, tights or skinny jeans. While brands like Chooka and now UGG are taking a more adventures turn on the traditional rubber boot.

Ugg Australia, Sheepskin lined, Leather Upper, Waterproof and lace up. So warm and quite cute! Winterpeggers paying attention?

The Biker:

            Don’t let the tough façade fool you. Biker boots aren’t just for the bad gals. This season, short, leather, round toe motorcycle boots are a must have item. And at low height with a wide round toe and good quality leather, your feet will be in boot heaven. Joe Fresh and Madewell both make beautiful styles, fit for a rocker or a princess. Stud embellishments and buckles… yes please! Dress up your pair with nylons, flirty skirts and a blazer.

Joe Fresh, I have always loved you, but this is just too much to handle. Marry me?

The Wedge:

            For a daring, comfortable, versatile and totally trendy boot, fashion followers know that this fall, it is the bold, block-like wedge bootie. Commonly seen in suede and leather and particularly appealing in black from designers like Michael Kors and Stephen Campbell. The thick wedge heel and covered foot top make for a boot so comfortable you could literally run in them, and dance of course.

In search of style? Jeffrey Campbell will ALWAYS provide you with the best. Found at Urban Outfitters

The Rider:

            Season after season, boot lovers flock to the same style. The riding boot started as a trend a few years ago and has moved into the staple shoe department of every woman’s wardrobe. The best styles can be worn two ways – above the knee/at the knee or folded over. Choose a color while keeping your coat and bag selection in mind, as you will want something versatile that will fit into your everyday outerwear. While you may find yourself replacing your riding boots each year due to water and salt damage, Blondo Shoes has a solution. The brand, available at Browns/B2 has come out with a whole line of waterproof leather boots, making every day life in riding boots much easier. 

Sometimes you gotta mix it up...I wear too much black. Aldo Shoes (surprisingly) just came out with these bad boys, over the knee gets me every time.  

The Thriller:

            While versatility, comfort and dependability are excellent qualifiers for the top 5 boots, sometimes a little adventure needs to be thrown into the mix. While keeping comfort and warmth in mind, seek out a hot pair of electric blue booties like the ones from Rachel by Rachel Roy or diamond studded heeled booties from Sam Edelman. While you would be foolish to try these at the office or slugging through snow, the thriller boots are a must for a night out with the girls. And, nobody said you shouldn’t wear wool socks under them. 

You're a smart man Sam Edelman.. girls love shiny things!

I will be asking for a pair of boots for my birthday... what pair will I decide on? Stay tuned. 

The Ultimate Don'ts of Beauty

Check out my article on 29secrets.com, the best new resource for fashion, beauty and life!

It's better than cosmo, it's free AND it's online. Stay tuned for more of my articles to be published....

http://29secrets.com/sections/beauty/ultimate-list-beauty-donts

xxx, Shopahallic

Fall 2010 Beauty: RED

As the days get shorter and your suntan starts to fade, take note of the changing leaves

and follow suit by switching up your go-to beauty colors. While this past summer you’ve been

playing up your girlie side with pale pinks and cute corals, fall 2010 calls for something bold – red.

The perfectly defined red lip statement dominated the fall 2010 runways in February by

designers like Nannette Lepore, Herve Leger, Givenchy and DSquared2. The clothes on the

catwalks said “I am strong, I am woman” while the lips add in “but also beautiful”. In the past, red

lips were often matched with feminine, flirtatious outfits. However, fall 2010 introduces a new take

on the glamorous lip. Do not be afraid to wear red lips with a powerful blazer, strong long-sleeved

dress or layers of sweaters and scarves. This season’s red is for the modern woman who is smart,

stylish and glamorous. Look out world, red lipstick isn’t the only thing we have up our sleeve.

From crimson to scarlet, reds are the season must have. Choose your particular shade

wisely and in accordance to your most worn fall items. For example, bright, glamorous reds go

great with dark, neutral colors –black, charcoal, jewel tones; just as warmer, orange reds pair

perfectly with browns, greens and other earth colors.

For the rest of your face think simple and natural, perhaps a thin liquid line on the eye or

light brushed mascara and a soft layer of blush to match your colored lips. When in doubt, check

out the celebrity examples of perfect red lipstick for inspiration. Kate Bosworth, Lauren Conrad and

Leighton Meester are just three Hollywood femme fatales who pull off the red lips seamlessly.

Just because your days at the beach are coming to an end, it doesn’t mean your fall won’t

be filled with bigger, brighter, bolder things.

Nannette Lepore Fall 2010

Don't be afraid to wear red on red!

If I had It My Way

In light of my recent post, I thought my Fall 2010 drool post should all be from the one and only -- Topshop. 

Some may think its crazy to wish for the days of brisk wind, coats, and even snow but for me, I cannot wait!

If I had it my way, this is what I would be wearing..

Red lips, green harem pants, shearling coats, leather booties, red leather (resembles the Alexa Mulberry bag, non?)

If you have the will, the funds and the way, all of these lovely items are found at Top Shop and cannot be more trendy for the fall season. I also like to think they are each item is quite versatile and could be worn in many fall/winter seasons for many years to come. 

TOPSHOP: NOW SHIPPING TO CANADA!!!

THE COVETED, TREND SETTING, ADDICTION FEEDING, BRITISH STORE TOP SHOP IS NOW SHIPPING TO THE GREAT WHITE NORTH!

lets dance.

Mulmarry

I am on the hunt for a new school, everyday, multi-use, large bag this fall. I have been hunting high and low on the internet and I seriously cannot find anything that I like even at the highest price point! Okay, well maybe its easier up there but I don't think my books need a $2000 carry case yet...but if they did.

It would be the Mulberry bag, the "Alexa". The It girl Alexa Chung inspired Mulberry to create the perfect bag, which Miss Chung likes to carry around the world in every color, paired with the most daring and darling outfits. Chungs personal style is a mix between British tea and LA rock, and something so unique in itself she turns heads whereever she goes. A beauty queen that does not try too hard, in fact her effortless attitude is the best part. Vogue describes her perfectly to be "so beautiful that she is intimidating, yet she just isn't". It seems if you met her it would feel like she was an old friend -- with the sweetest style.

So of course, the bag named after her is beyond quality. Practical, sensible, daring, and so so beautiful. I want to curl up with the soft leather it is made of... OR just carry it around proudly.

The cognac color is my favorite and will be the top color for my lower price range search this fall.

But how can you resist the patent leather?

Target is set to have Mulberry create a line of lower priced designer handbags coming out in October, get this, featured around the Alexa bag!

Hmmm, has someone been reading my mind? A lower priced Alexa bag, this sounds to good to be true.

Any Canadians want to take a roadtrip with me in October? I must be the first in line.

Determination.

Long before I knew what the word blog meant, I wrote in a journal. I still remember my first one and insults I would write about my brothers in it. 

While I do not pour out my deepest feelings and thoughts into my blog, I consider it my alternate form of my personal expression... consequently my journal has suffered. 

In a hazy, concrete summer, I have found it hard to become inspired in any way in my life. Usually this is an area that I excel in, it frequently comes and goes but lately its been more going than coming. Here in my favorite place in the world, my sunroom, rain pouring through the Elms outside I have reinvented myself. I have promised to stay up the whole night and just do the things I have wanted to do since May.

Blog more than random pictures, write in my journal, and rediscover my life through my room filled with it. 

I read every article in the new Vogue, scoured the pictures and felt connected to my creativity.

I read one of the blogs I frequent, a girl who I consider to be the best in blogging business, and she wrote that she was having doubts about why started a blog. I was so surprised to see this confident, fashion fatale so insecure about the impact she has had. It made me think of the same question, why do I do this when it could really mean nothing? It is the question I often ask myself and it is usually my motivation for not posting for another day...week or longer. 

Then as I sat here, wishing I could write the way the vogue staff and writers do, look like Gwyneth Paltrow on the cover, and wear the clothes in the editorial, I realized that in the smallest way my blog is my personal Vogue. It is my own growth through style and writing, and it is my hobby that makes me happy. I blog when on days like this when I am inspired and I blog when I am happy, in no way is it a self promotion or job. Just simply a hobby that gives me joy and helps me grow to maybe one day write as exquisitely as the greats I admire. 

My blog is my own way to look like the girls in the editorials and resemble Gwen, and when I see the pictures of myself that my friends or sister and I take between giggles, I feel beautiful. Not for anyone else but me. 

Long were the days where I was only an athlete or the "funny girl". Long were the days of self preservation in fear of failure or hurt. 

So, heres to what I want. (To secure my goals, I must publish them publicly) 

- Write a book.

- Host a TV show. 

- Star in a movie. 

- Have a "sunroom" where I can watch the rain, where ever I am living. 

So, let it rain, then the sun wake me from my writing as I sit on my floor, stuck to the hardwood. 

White Out

On route to Sandbox Body Love launch party. 

An amazing Winnipeg fashion and culture magazine, who just released their summer print issue -- Body Love. 

Check out SandBox magazine here to be inspired by the lives and styles of Winnipeg's (and arguably Canada's) most creative minds...

www.sandboxmag.com

Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Shorts- Value Village, Shoes- Asos

Ever since I have gone all "career girl, I can't help but match my favorite tailored pieces together. There is just something about a smart suit that looks so put together...yet with these intense shoulder pads and high cut shorts, I was going for a bit more than something smart and sensible. 

The Exchange in the Prairies

Contemporary, traditional, goofy, random, beautiful. 

My outfit or the the exchange in downtown Winnipeg?

Prairies set me free

 DT Peg

OOOO beautiful car.

Lookin like I robbed a jewelry store...