Part 3: Consignment pieces for your Spring/Summer wardrobe? Yes please!

Ok, it’s time to talk casual attire from my last style segment on Breakfast Television. Though it’s still cold and dreary in my neck of the woods, I’m definitely dreaming of wearing this outfit once the weather is a bit warmer. A S/S Casual Look Why this look is amazing: This Juicy Couture onesie, consignment of course, is the perfect garment to dress up or down, depending on wear you’re off to. A quick tip: adding heels will make your legs look longer and leaner; this projects a much more sexy look. If you’re worried about it looking or feeling too short, just opt for a similar garment but with longer shorts or a skirt.  Here’s a couple of examples (remember, these are models the long legs):   For a weekend casual look, I’ve paired it with flat sandals, wooden bracelets, a braided belt and an oversized hobo tote.  This looks is perfect to walk around town, have lunch with friends and shuffle kids to and from. I’ve added an oversized earring which may seem a bit dressy to some of you.  The copper hardware is what makes it less dressy.  If this isn’t your thing though, go with a simple stud earring. This rich bold hue certainly screams summer! Our lovely model is showing easy tousled waves.  If this feels like too much for daytime, pull your locks back into a soft bun with a few loose pieces to frame your face. We’ve chosen one focal point for makeup – a rich, pink lip.  You certainly don’t want to overdo it for a daytime look. Stay tuned for our last look from this segment… coming shortly. Shout outs Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Styling: Yours Truly Clothing, Accessories, Shoes: Vespucci Ladies Consignment Model: Leah M.

Part 2: Consignment pieces for your Spring/Summer wardrobe? Yes please!

Some of you saw my recent spring/summer style segment on Breakfast Television last week.  If you missed it, you can check it out here.  Today, I want to do talk about the second look from the segment. S/S Professional Look #2 Why this look is amazing: First of all, all the pieces in this outfit are from a consignment store. That alone makes me love this look. Though you can’t fully tell from the pictures (watch the segment), there is a subtle checked pattern in this suit (by the way, that’s an Armani suit for under $500). If you’re looking to move away from the solid colour suits this spring/summer, subtle pattern is the way to go. From far away it looks solid (so don’t worry about it competing with a patterned dress shirt) but up close, it has much more interest to it. Purple is a great pop of colour for spring. If there’s a colour that you’re more excited about, go for it. Yes, these are Gucci loafers.  At $200 from the consignment store I worked with, they are pretty affordable. Dressy loafers are a good dress shoe alternative for spring/summer. Next week, we’ll be talking about the casual spring/summer looks that we put together.  Stay tuned.   Shout outs Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Styling: Yours Truly Clothing, Accessories, Shoes: Dress to Suit Model: Troy S.

Part 1: Consignment pieces for your Spring/Summer wardrobe? Yes please!

Earlier this week, I was invited back to Breakfast Television to share some work and play looks for spring and summer. As you know, I like to highlight how one can look polished and put together while stretching those hard earned dollars. So, I decided to put these looks together with the help of two amazing consignment stores right here in Edmonton. Shopping second hand stores (consignment and/or vintage) is a great way to find unique pieces and/or designer pieces at a fraction of the cost.  Here’s a quick tip: Don’t immediately discard a piece if it doesn’t fit you perfectly off the hanger.  If it’s too small, you’re likely out of luck.  However, if it’s a great quality piece, at a great price, look to see if there is something that can be altered to make it work for you.  A gush: I once found a MaxMara dress that was $30 at a consignment store.  Though the dress was several sizes too big for me, I bought it anyways – it was beautiful. I then took it to my tailor and had her bring it in to fit me.  I’ve had it for at least 3 years now and wear it all the time. It’s like we’re playing Simon Says First up, a professional look for the office that I would best describe as elegant. S/S Professional Look Model #1: Cheryl   Why this look is amazing: A classic white dress (yes, that’s a Tahari dress) will be your go-to item throughout the spring and summer.  A brightly coloured blazer can be paired with this dress for a strong pop of colour.  With the detailing at the waist, there’s no need for a belt. A nude pump is an investment item.  If cared for properly, they will last you for years.  Yes, those are second hand Jimmy Choo’s and they are in perfect condition.  These ones are more than 50% off the regular retail price. The pops of colour in this look are the clutch, earrings and lip colour. The goal is to make sure that these colours complement one another rather than match. Also, if you’re going to add a bright lip for work, make sure you don’t have heavy eye makeup on as well. Balance is key. Don’t you just love Cheryl’s loose bob? This is a soft, feminine look that will keep her neck cool during those hot summer months. Stay tuned.  I’ll be doing a breakdown of our second professional look from this segment. Shout outs Hair: House of Tin Salon Makeup: Makeup by Bean Styling: Yours Truly Clothing, Accessories, Shoes: Vespucci Ladies Consignment Model: Cheryl P.