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.
Holiday Attire- NYE looks (part 2)
It’s New Year’s Eve! A wonderful style evening is ahead of us. Here’s a couple of interesting dressy new years looks from our last style segment on Breakfast Television. Look 1 Though fun, and not really clothes (these ladies are adorable), this may not be this right look for you…. via sydneystyle.com I’d go with something like this…. I love this winter white look with the detachable collar. Go ahead and add accessories that really speak to your personality. Look 2 While this is a perfectly fine and classic look, why not step outside your comfort zone this new years? via inkcloth.com Here’s what I’m talking about…. You must check out this outfit. It’s got all the classic elements of a dressy evening look while being ultra trendy and interesting. Don’t feel shy to mix and match colours and patterns as you see here. Hope you all have a fun and exciting NYE planned. See you in 2014! Credits: Hair: Colleen (FUSS Salon) Makeup: Gina (FUSS Salon) Models: Michelle & Darcy Clothing: Simons Shoes: The Bay– City Centre
Holiday Attire- you know, for when you’re visiting family and friends (part 1)
I love my time on Breakfast Television! I was fortunate enough to share some holiday looks on a recent segment. As you know, I normally share advice and tips on professional style and personal branding but I this time, decided to do something totally different and fun for the holidays. I’m talking about elevating a holiday look… you know, the what to wear vs. what not to wear concept. I’m breaking down this segment into two parts: casual holiday attire and dressy-formal New Year’s looks. Up first, casual attire. Look 1 Instead of wearing something like this to your aunt’s/family friend’s/cousin’s house (Hilarious? Yes. Practical for eating at the dinner table? Not so much)…. Photo from: myuglychristmassweater.com I’d suggest something more like this – a sweater that truly has that holiday, cozy feel and is WAY more stylish. By the way, I know you think this sweater looks dressy to wear at home but it’s really just a sweater. You wear sweaters. Pair it with a slim leg pant and simple accessories. If you prefer a skirt, I’d suggest one that is a bit fuller for a more vintage-inspired look (make sure this skirt style works for your body type). The studded collar is a lot so over-accessorizing would just be too much. I’ve paired these pants with velvet loafers. If you want to make this outfit a bit dressier, add a pump, preferrably one with a thin, stilletto heel. Look 2 Everyone loves a cheesy Christmas sweater, like this one…. Photo from: Esquire.com, Jason Yormark- Rock Your Ugly Christmas Sweater Here’s a holiday sweater that is perfect to wear when visiting or having people over at your place. I’ve taken it up a notch with a red, studded bowtie. I know. A studded bowtie. At home. It’s the holidays, go for it. There are a lot of patterns going on in this outfit. That’s perfectly fine. If it’s too much for you, remove a pattern. Maybe swap out the polka dot button down shirt for a solid-coloured one. If the bow tie really is too much for you, don’t force it. I’ve added green trousers with a bit of sheen in them to dress up this sweater. If you want to keep it casual, add a pair of dark-wash jeans instead. Stay tuned for Part 2…. Credits: Hair: Colleen (FUSS Salon) Makeup: Gina (FUSS Salon) Models: Megan & Kevin S. Clothing: Simons Shoes: The Bay– City Centre