The Colour Of Love

Don't be afraid ladies... Red lipstick does not have to look garish or tacky, it's all in he shade you use and proper application. Make sure your lips are moisturized, then pat a little of your concealer or foundation with a sponge onto your lips... This will alow the true pigment of the lipstick to come through. Line your lips with a nude pencil and fill in the lip, I prefer a nude tone to help prevent the colour from bleeding and as the colour wears you won't end up with a bright red ring around your mouth. Then fill in your lips with your red of choice, blot with a tissue... Instant glam! I like a matte lip for day but you can pop a little red gloss over the lipstick for a sexier evening pout. Keep the rest of your makeup quite fresh and simple, the lips should be the focul point of this look. My recomendations for universally flattering reds are Russian Red by MAC, Ruby Woo by MAC, Velvet Matte Lip Pencil by NARS, Really Red by CoverGirl and Fire and Ice by Revlon. Don't be shy ladies, add a little crimson to your pucker!! Remember Valentine's Day is just around the corner and red is the perfect date colour.

Bootie-ful

Well its official, I'm obsessed with ankle boots! Any colour, leather, suede, heel height, wedge, stiletto.... I could go on and on! I recently bought these black wedge ankle boots from aldoshoes.com for $60 (reg $140!) ... This is such a great time to find trendy cool boots for a fraction of the price, check the Aldo site for an additional 30% off sale boots and myspringshoes.com for more amazing markdowns. I usually find better deals online and if they don't fit or you're not totally in love with them you can simply return them to the store for a full refund or UPS will come to your door to ship them back at no charge to you... This is a win win situation ladies!! What do you think of the ankle boot, are you sporting them this winter?

Check Please!

I am a pushover for houndstooth, it is a classic print that is totally timeless... There are a few easy rules to follow to keep it looking chic, if you're wearing the traditional black and white pattern as your dress, top or skirt keep the rest of your look simple with solid black or white pieces. You can add a pop of colour (red looks amazing) with your purse or shoes for a modern touch. If you feel that it's a little too bold for you try adding a houndstooth shawl or clutch to your little black dress ensemble or a houndstooth ballet flat or pump paired with skinny jeans and a solid colour turtleneck for an adorable weekend look. Houndstooth can come in a variety of colours, it looks amazing in bright bold hues but remember to keep the other pieces more monochromatic to avoid looking clownish... For the daring fashionista you can actually mix houndstooth pieces, play with scale and proportions for a fresh fun vibe. My dress was another $19.90 find from H&M, I've worn this dress for day and night about a hundred different ways! Regardless of how you rock your houndstooth it will work for many years and seasons to come, so hang on to it you will never be at a loss for options.

LBD

Every girl needs a little black dress (or two!) in her closet... This is definitely an investment piece that you will wear again and again, it is so easy to change the look of your lbd by adding fun accessories or throwing on a belt to change the shape of it. It can easily transition from day to night by swapping your ballets flats for heels and adding a stack of gold bangles... I was inspired by this look on Pippa Middleton when I put this ensemble together, but its still way too cold for bare legs so I went for gray tights and boots and of course a leopard scarf. Ooh and my dress was an H&M find last month for $19.90 and the added bonus it is sooo comfy!!

Shop Talk

Here is a round up of this weekend's best deals... This is peak time for winter clearance, although it can be a little picked over this is when you can get the deal of the year on a gorgeous winter coat or boots for up to 75% off. Don't give up!! Let me know where you found your best bargain...

Old Navy is offering a 20% off any single item coupon valid until February 2nd Use this link to print it:
https://www.facebook.com/oldnavy?sk=app_271575822897752

La Senza Canada is offering a coupon for $10 off any bra purchase when you try on a bra in store. Simply present your coupon at any La Senza or La Senza Express store to receive your discount. Not valid at outlet stores or online. Offer ends January 29, 2012.

Banana Republic is having another great sale. Until Jan 30th, get an additional 40% off sale items both in-store and online (with code BRC40SALE).

Check out smartcanucks.ca for daily deals!!

Minty Fresh

One of this upcoming spring's hot colours is mint green, this is such a beautiful pastel and super easy to work into your wardrobe! It can be paired with other pastels or neutrals and it works on every skin tone... These mint green pieces are available at Forever 21 right now, you can find them at forever21.com and the best part is they are all under $30!! What do you think, will you be adding a hint of mint to your spring attire?

Bumble Bee

I love wearing black and yellow together, but you have to be careful with this combo... You can run the risk of looking costumey! My black Old Navy maxi dress (so comfy!) and bright yellow cardigan from H&M were calling my name today... I find the best way to tie this look together and keep it totally chic is by adding in neutral accessories like I did with nude pumps, a cognac belt and butterscotch clutch... The leopard scarf adds a little fun (and warmth!) to this look. Don't be afraid to try this colour combo, but perhaps avoid head to toe black and yellow stripes... It's fabulous when your outfit creates a buzz but not so fab if you look like you should be buzzing!!

Colour Pop!

I have been obsessed with colour blocking ever since this trend started hitting the runways a few years ago.... Colour blocking essentially is pairing 2 or 3 pieces in bold solid colours and putting them together to create an outfit. There are a few rules to stick by to make this look work... Use bright colours to keep the look modern and fresh, you can also use a basic colour wheel if you need some inspiration for colour choices. Keep some accessories like your jewelry, shoes and handbag in the neutrals so you don't overdo it. Remember you don't want to look like a fruit salad! Don't be afraid to play around with a few looks, some will be misses but you'll definitely find some hits. If you want to start off slow try a bright pink blazer with an all black outfit and red pumps or a cobalt blue dress with a punchy coral scarf, you can always work your way up to mixing neons! These are my 2 attempts at colour blocking this week... What do you think of this trend? Is it a do for you?

Best Foot Forward

I am obsessed with nude pumps, winter, spring, summer and fall!! They can lengthen your leg in a summer mini dress or add a fun element to your dress and black tights on a cold weather day... These CAPECORAL pumps from Aldo are $80 and a total wardrobe staple that you will get tons of wear out of, I've worn mine easily a dozen times which works out to under $7 a wear!! And I plan on many many more ensembles with them... I have to mention my dress... I am kind of in love with my dress, the blue floral is so fun and it has a really elegant tie and ruffles at the neck. Ooh and I'm really digging the sheer sleeve detail...But the best part of all is the price, I picked up this little number for just $29.80 at Forever 21!!

Denim Day

We all have a jean jacket in our closet, ok so I have 5 but this Roots one is my favourite and I've had it for years!! It seems like they just get better with age. Is there nothing cuter than a denim jacket paired with a firty dress?? I added black tights and booties and a cozy scarf to "winterize" it... And the fedora is such a fun accessory, it adds style and hides a bad hair day at the same time!! This is the perfect outfit for Sunday brunch on a mild winter day. As always I'm inspired by Nicole Richie, she makes this look effortless and polished at the same time...

Casual Saturday

This look is my Saturday uniform for running errands, shopping, lunching or whatever I'm up to! I love boyfriend jeans, I have 4 pairs and I wear them all year long... They are cute on every gal, and look great dressed up with heels or sweet and comfortable with ballet flats. I was totally inspired by this recent pick of Jennifer Lopez and this was the perfect look to try out my new Nine West booties with!! I bought these at the outlet for $26, the sweater is a recent Old Navy online buy for $12 and the jeans are from American Eagle 3 years ago!! What is your weekend uniform?!

Come Sale Away!

Just checking my favourite website for fashion deals http://smartcanucks.ca/ and here is a round-up of the best deals for this upcoming week:

Mexx is offering an addtional 25% off sale items until January 23rd in store

Esprit is taking 40% off your purchase from January 19th-24th, but the offer is only valid online http://www.espritshop.ca/index_ca.htm?LKZ=CA just use coupon code JANSALE3 when you check out

Old Navy is taking and additional 50% off all clearance items in store this weekend from January 21st-22nd... Get there early for the best selection!

T.G.I. Fashion

I decided to go on a little shopping spree today and ended up at Forever 21, oh boy did I do well!! I was looking for dresses, yes I am slightly obsessed with them but I found a few other lovely pieces to add to my wardrobe too... I spent just under $75 and walked out with an adorable cream and cognac polka dot dress, a gorgeous coral tunic and a cozy cream open knit sweater. I can't wait to try these all out this week!! Will you be shopping this weekend? And if so where?

It's In The Bag

After perusing the Aldo website today http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/sale/handbags I came across 3 amazing leopard purses all under $25!! You absolutely have to check them out, the purses are marked down to half price or less right now... If you are not a leopard lover like myself there is a huge selection of styles and colours for every gal! These were my 3 faves!!

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/sale/handbags/sale-handheld-bags/86306720-pigford/39
http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/sale/handbags/sale-handheld-bags/86095142-mewborn/89
http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/sale/handbags/sale-cross-body-bags/85768405-medlock/90

Blazer Babe

I have been eyeballing my white blazer for weeks now, I just wasn't sure what to wear it with this time of year... I love it in the summer paired with a flirty sundress or cute shorts. After seeking out a little inspiration I found this fabulous look on Kim Kardashian and did my version of it... I have been wanting to wear the beaded bib necklace I bought for $10 on sale at Aldo forever!! I don't have alot of embellished tops so a necklace is a quick and fun way to add some sparkle and interest to your basic tee... Forever 21 and Aldo are 2 of my favourite places to find the most amazing selection and deals on necklaces, bracelets and earings for under $20. Try sprucing up your go to tee with a blazer and a chunky necklace, you won't be disappointed!!

Maxi-Mum Style

In keeping with the theme I seem to have going this week with winterizing my summer wardrobe I decided to try out a maxi dress from H&M that I had bought for a trip to Jamaica last June... I googled my favourite boho chic gal Nicole Richie for a little style inspiration and this is what I came up with. What do you think? Does a summer maxi translate well into winter? I added a thick heeled black boot and studded clutch to toughen it up a little and I absoutely love this cropped blazer, I recently bought it at H&M for $24.90!!

Raspberry Beret

This is another one of my go to outfits on a cold winter day, I just love a sweet floral dress paired with tights and boots... This dress was a Forever 21 purchase this past summer for just $24.90!! Just a little tip for F21 shoppers, I find it easier to shop with them online, the stores can be packed and overwhelming. This way you can take your time, the selection and size availability is better and the shipping is free when you spend over $60 and the return policy is great... I wore this dress with gladiator wedge sandals and stacks of gold bangles in the warm weather but see how easy it is to take it into the cold weather... I added the belt and beret to spruce it up!! I have really been shopping my closet lately... It's amazing what treasures you can find when you start to look at different pieces as multi seasonal, don't be afraid to give things a whirl!! Try your favourite summer shorts with cable knit tights or a floaty summer top layered over a thin black turtleneck... You may be surprised at the fabulous outfits you'll come up with!

Summer Stripes

I love trying to make my clothes work through every season possible... A great way to do this is taking a summer dress and making it appropriate for winter, this is a fabulous and frugal way to shop your closet!! Simply take your favourite summer frock and add opaque tights, great boots or pumps and if its a little chilly in the office or restaurant or wherever you are headed you can throw on a little cardigan or blazer... A pretty infinity scarf or sweet knitted beret would also be a great addition to this look... I am wearing an H&M dress from their summer 2011 collection in the middle of January!!

And The Winners Are...

Wowza! The stars certainly were shining on the red carpet tonight, the ladies at The Golden Globes did not disappoint on the fashion front... As hard as it is to choose I have narrowed it down to my top 5 picks of the night... Zooey in Prada, Charlize in Dior, Reese in Zac Posen, Emma Stone in Lanvin and Clare Danes in J. Mendel... Phew, ok now that was tough!!! Who were your favorites tonight? Award season fashion is so exciting, now I can't wait for The Oscars... It's like the Superbowl of fashion for me!

My Little Pony

Don't you just love a ponytail? It is the perfect "I have no time because I slept in!" but still want to look totally adorable hairdo!! We are even seeing celebrities rocking the pony on the red carpet, it has become a chic modern alternative to the classic updo... Whether you're heading out for a night on the town or running your Saturday errands it just works! I love the side pony too, it looks great with bangs or a few loose pieces hanging in the front, I like to think of this as my "dressy" pony... You can use your curling or flat iron to create some movement and finish off with a little hairspray... Do you ladies do the pony too?!

In Vested

Oh how I love shopping online... It is such a treat to curl up on the couch with a chai latte in hand and shop my heart out... And that's exactly whatI did this morning! With the huge clearance sale at Old Navy right now how could a gal resist? I bought an adorable yellow cropped peacoat and this super cute faux shearling vest... I love this look on Rachel Bilson... I already have the basic pieces she is wearing with her vest so I can easily put this ensemble together myself with my own spin of course... To add to this awesome sale I found this on the smartcanucks.ca website today!

@OldNavyCanadaPR is offering 15% off your entire purchase of any amount or 25% off your purchase of $100 or more. Enter the promo code ONSAVEMORE at the checkout to receive your discount or print off this email to use in store. Excludes activewear online only. Valid until January 16, 2012.

Leopard Lover

Yes I know, another leopard top... But when I saw this pic of Lauren Conrad the other day I just couldn't resist putting this look together! I bought this sheer leopard blouse at Old Navy for $18 and my blazer is an H&M find for $59.90... I wear this blazer all the time! This is one of those investment pieces that you shoudn't skimp on, a black blazer is a wardrobe staple that will take you through every season... It adds a little more polish than a cardigan over a dress or blouse and it can be worn for the work day then right to dinner and drinks with the girls!! What do you pair with your blazer?

Three Under $35

I was just perusing the Old Navy Canada website, they are having a HUGE clearance sale right now!! Totally worth checking out online and or in store. I found these 3 fabulous coats all under $35!! Wowza! Blue Plaid Double Breasted Coat $32.47, Green Cropped Peacoat $22.97 and Faux Shearling Moto Jacket $30.97 Click here to check it out http://oldnavy.gapcanada.ca/browse/category.do?cid=55474