Shopping confessions

Bless me wallet, for I have sinned. I went shopping when I shouldn’t have. But the cool weather today shocked my system, cleansed my closet and left me wearing a sweater I bought at least four years ago. I had nothing to wear!!

You see, we’re saving up for a wedding. And that’s left my cashflow, well, not so flowy. But today, I went against my better sense and picked up a pair of pants and a blouse. But, I have to admit, I haven’t bought myself anything this season. It’s not too big of a deal. The Michael Kors boots and Rare Specimen earrings I got a few weeks ago were a birthday gift. So these will be the gift I give myself. Happy belated!

Shirt and pants are from Zara.

Falling in love

The changing autumn leaves are nice and all, but I really love the jackets, knits, jeans and boots.

When I was in New York in January, I picked up this cropped navy trench. It was Marc by Marc Jacobs and it was on sale!! The asymmetrical hem sweater and waxed jeans are from a trip to Zara last year. (I like the Mapleview location to be better than Toronto: clothes are less likely to have been tried on, so no deodorant or makeup marks; and there’s less stock turnover, meaning I can take my time shopping.) My boots — my boots!!! — are a recent buy. I picked these Michael Kors booties up from Solee Shoes. The gold zippers are on the outside, the stacked heel is covered with snake skin-imprinted leather to contrast the smooth leather almond toe. I bought them as a birthday gift to myself. Another reason why I love fall!






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Party girl

It’s my party, I’ll wear pants if I want to.

I was trying to figure out what to wear to our engagement party. Most stylist and fashion editors recommend a pretty party dress. I know, as I’ve given the same advice. But that’s just not my style. It’s just not me.

Granted, I’m in for any excuse that helps me buy new clothes, but a dress wouldn’t work for our wine and cheese. I wanted something more cool, fun and not so girly or rustic. A tea party dress just wasn’t on my agenda.

I headed to Zara and picked up a pair of faux leather pants. They were more like leggings (button- and zipper-less, elastic waist) but the fabric fit much better and wore like pants.

I was feeling like a billowy blouse with a 1970s fashion sensibility would be perfect. So I grabbed this powder blue silky top and wore a long gold necklace that I knotted about midway down.

I had to wear heels, but instead of buying a new pair I wore my Via Spiga T-strap pumps I got from a shoe sale at Hanleys last summer. I painted my exposed toes with Rimmel 60 Seconds in Blued Eyed Girl.

My nails I painted in Nars Andy Warhol Collection in Black Room, leaving the moons open. I just used the Essense French Manicure Tip Guides at the cuticles to create that perfect line. Here I’m enjoying a stacked sandwich the next day with our cheesy appetizer leftovers.

Heck, why not read more: Here are one published story and two blog posts I wrote.

• What to wear to an engagement party

• Shopping at Zara.ca

• Planning an engagement party

My May-December Romance

Like everyone else, I am awaiting the warmer weather. But my spring-summer style will always have a winter sensibility. Often when others are in short shorts and tanks, I’m in a blouse and jeans. I don’t know… I’m just more comfortable in that silhouette, and I like fabrics that conceal instead of hug. Makes me feel more chic. Spring colours are beautiful, but it’s just too soon for me to commit. Instead, I’ll build my seasonal wardrobe around black staples. All which will go nicely with the brights I buy later, when they go on sale.

Ciera Black Metallic Detail Chunky Heel Boot, $50.
My winter boots are worse for wear, but these cute booties are ready for my skinny jeans and cropped trousers. I love the silver heel and stacked heel.

Leather Link Necklace, $74.
Imagine this Banana Republic adornment on the inside of a white collared blouse. Swoon. I love the leather trim.

Single Post Belt, $130.
Slick. Simple. Beautifully designed. And it’s made in Canada by The Leather Atelier. ’Nuff said.

Pinstripe Trousers, $60.
Zara pants always fit me so well. I never have to try them on. I like the idea of a menswear-inspired pinstripe, which will look smart when I pair them with a floral blouse.

Liam Pocket Tee Bright White, $198.
I think this will pair nicely with a pair of printed jeans. After writing about the Equipment blouse and how many brands brought out their own version, I’ve been a fan of the brand. I even bought one for myself in NYC in January while on a press trip. It’s like a tattoo: Once you get one, you need another.

Tomas Maier Cutout Cross-back Swimsuit, $330.
Full confession: I have not worn a bathing suit in over 15 years! This one-piece with gunmetal details has made me take a double take… Would I? Could I? We’ll see, we’ll see. I might be converted into  a summer girl after all.

The Converted

I was invited to try a preview shopping experience at Zara.com. Full disclosure: I often shop at Zara. I find it to be an easy store to navigate. They keep all the ripped denim in one area and the business with a twist in another. And their prices are easy on the bank account. If I’m trying a new trend that I’m not sure about investing my Louboutin money’s worth into, I will find it at Zara.

I’m a pretty skeptical online shopper. First, I don’t look like the model online, so I won’t know if the jacket will hit my thigh at the same spot it does on her. Books and makeup are one thing, but clothes are another. Second, I don’t always have good experiences online. There was that unexpected lump of duty the first time I ever ordered (likely with the launch of the internet). Years later, another site had me on it for two hours looking for that shoe I saw in a magazine, only to get to the final click to say that it didn’t ship that specific shoe to Canada. Another site canceled my order for fear of fraud as the promotion code I was given should have been unique to me, instead it was given to many people that day. And last summer I ordered a pair of sunglasses from a Canadian high-end site, to not get the discount. When I called to request my reduction they couldn’t give it to me, telling me that I would have to order it again and request a cancellation of the first one. But, they couldn’t process it for me. To make up for the bad service I was offered $20 off my next bill – that was my first time (and last) on the site. So shopping online is fashion roulette, really.

Today, I got a keeper: Blazer with gold appliqué on shoulder. Ordered it on Friday, and got it today. Very impressive. It took two weeks for me to get those sunglasses. Shipping was free as my order was over $50, but it’s also free if you get the package sent to your local store. Standard shipping is $5, and express is $10.

Back to my jacket. It is a polyester-elastane blend blazer with no lapels. There’s a short slit in the back and the pockets are faux (dang it). I love, love, love the metal structured shoulders – plus they have shoulder pads, perfect for power dressing. I often will wear a blazer instead of a jacket for spring, so this is a good buy for me.


Heck, why not read more: Two more published stories I wrote  with Zara fashions.

http://www.thespec.com/living/style/article/731036—the-bold-and-the-beautiful

http://www.thespec.com/living/style/article/625355—black-out