I’m always very excited to share a great sale! Check out this amazing blouse that I’m crushing on right now. Tibi colourblock blouse Why I love it: I love the colour blocking It’s light and flowy It has a fun shoulder yoke / strap (which gives the shoulders more structure) It’s the perfect Spring item You can dress this blouse up or down (who doesn’t love a little/a lot of versatility in their wardrobe?? Here’s the best part. It was originally priced at $313.33 (CAD) and is now on sale for $188.26! Here’s the other great part. If your purchase is more than $99 (USD), you can save on shipping by using this coupon code: UKCANMAY12 (go check out their website for all the details). You’re welcome. :)
Navy blue suits… they’re not just for bankers
First off, I must apologize for my long absence from the blog. It’s been a very busy time. This post was inspired by some work I did this week. I’ve become much more drawn to a navy blue suit over the past couple of years or so. Here why I think more men should be wearing them: Navy blue looks great on many different skin tones whereas, say, a black suit isn’t always flattering (don’t worry, I love you too black suit). It’s easier to split up a navy suit and wear, for example, the blazer with a pair of jeans and casual button-down shirt. This gives a suit more versatility in your wardrobe. There are many more colour and pattern combinations that complement a navy blue suit. It’s really easy to change the overall look of a blue suit by changing the shirt, shoes, and accessories that are paired with it. Ok, here are a few navy blue suits that I love. Richard James Half-lined wool-blend suit I love the slim fit, shorter jacket, and slanted jacket pockets. This is more of an urban spin on a very classic suit. Paul Smith: The Byard Travel Suit The look of the wool blend is what most attracts me to this suit. The cut and style of this suit lends itself nicely to more casual looks by simply pairing it with a casual shoe and shirt. I also really like the two flap pocket… an interesting detail for sure. BOSS Black: James/Sharp WE I love a three piece suit. I think more men should wear it. Though this suit has a subtle plaid pattern and is a slim cut, there is a lot of elements that makes this suit classic and streamlined. It’s hard to look at a picture and see what cut or colour of navy suit is best for you. It’s a wise idea to try on as many options as possible to find the suit that looks and feels great for you.
Wedding Vendors, take some notes here!
I was recently perusing Preston Bailey’s blog (he’s so creative and talented) and came across this blog post – Vendors, What You Wear Matters. Of course, this is right up my alley so I read it as well as all the reader comments (the comments section is mighty interesting). The main question that was asked at the end of the post was: What do you think is the proper way to dress when you’re working an event? I’d like to give a few tips on exactly what you should wear that is: professional, appropriate, functional, and (yes) stylish. Before I do that though, I’d like to share a great tip that was given in one of Preston Bailey’s follow up posts: “Rule number one in our industry, giving great service is about NOT attracting attention to ourselves. Our events should always be about our clients and their guests!” (Preston’s Blog, March 21, 2012) I think this is great advice and a rule I’m highlighting as I share some event-appropriate tips with you. Tip #1: When in doubt, ask your client what is appropriate attire for the event If you’re directly involved in most of the planning, as a wedding/event planner would be, it’s perfectly ok to ask what the dress code is for the event. It shows initiative and thought on your part and will probably give your client an additional level of confidence in you. By doing this, you will know whether formal, business casual, casual, or other types of attire is appropriate. If you’re uncertain of how formal an event is (and you didn’t take the opportunity to ask), always err on the side of more professional than less professional. For ladies, this may be as simple as throwing on a suit jacket or blazer on top of your outfit. For gentlemen, you can never go wrong with a suit. Tip #2: Opt for a look that is conservative and neutral… it doesn’t have to be boring though You’re not at your client’s event to make a major fashion statement but rather to support their event and help make it the best it can possibly be. With that said, I’d suggest you find a look that follows the rule of providing great service without attracting attention to yourself. Without knowing the type of event you’re working on, I’d suggest the following: A dressy suit – depending on the type of event, you probably want to opt for something that is slightly dressier than what one would wear in a corporate setting. Perhaps that means you need to find a suit with a great cut or more formal material. For ladies, a skirt suit is perfectly fine, just make sure the skirt ends right at your knee and properly fits your curves. Again, you want to attract attention for your great work, not your great legs! Find the right neutral for you – a black suit may not be best for the event or for you (you do want