May 16th, 2013

Neons!

Posted by Pam

One of the biggest trends this spring is neon! So I need to publicly apologize to my friend Andrea. She started wearing a neon pink J. Crew tank last summer and I told her that I wasn’t going to do neon again! I did it in the 90′s and I wasn’t going to repeat the trend! Well, she was ahead of the curve and I need to learn to never say never! Geesh! I was wrong and I’ve been sporting my fair share of neon this spring and I’m loving it! It is important to note that unlike in the early 90′s, do NOT wear neon head to toe. One or two hits of it in an outfit will do the trick!

Here are some of my fave neon picks…remember…only one or two pieces at a time, such as a scarf and shoes, or a t-shirt and a bracelet. Keep other pieces in your outfit neutral…denim works very well with neon. A little goes a long way!

J.Crew Shorts in Neon Peach $56.00

Gap Striped T in Blue $24.95

Joe Fresh Striped Scarf in White, Yellow and Black $16

Gap Foldover Pencil Skirt in Powerful Blue $39.95

Gap Neon-Stripe Infinity Scarf in Tree Frog $24.95

Gap 1969 Legging Skimmer Jeans in Lime Cooler $49.99

Gap Skinny Mini Skimmer Khakis in Luminous Orange $59.95

Gap Leather Stripe Tote $79.95

Kate Spade Locked In Mini Turnlock Bangle $58

J.Crew Neon Stone Necklace $95.00

Sperry Top-Sider Audrey Boat in Neon, Nude and White $85

J.Crew Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes in Neon Rose $98

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank in Neon Azalea $28.50

Gap Patent Perforated Flats in Neon Yellow $39.95

You only need one more thing to really carry out the neon trend…the perfect neon polish….oh, and do I have a fave!

Essie’s Boom Boom Room is the perfect cotton candy pink. I apply it without using a white underneath…I don’t find it necessary! It’s a fresh and fun color that looks fantastic with a bit of a tan!

So for me, it’s a lesson learned! Trends come back and, yes, sometimes they are worth repeating….but never literally…things always come back with a twist!

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May 5th, 2013

Printed Pants on a Budget

Posted by Laurel

Prints are huge this spring/summer and i’m digging them! Paired with neutrals, these patterned bottoms don’t have to bring back memories of that crazy distant relative that spends 6 months a year in Boca Raton (i know that’s what’s been holding you back, right??). Instead, they are a fun way to step a little outside your “solid” box and jack up the interest factor in what you’re wearing.

I’ve also heard many people lament that prints are only made for stick thin frames. Not so, sisters! It’s all about finding the pair that fits your body perfectly. Thankfully, there is a ton to choose from… and i couldn’t resist being lured into the Gap when i saw their windows dressed with some orange animal printed crops. The Gap khaki skimmers are constructed of cotton and a wee bit of spandex, which makes them feel oh-so comfy and gives you some room to finish dessert!! And bonus, they’ve even been marked down since i bought mine last week..$50.99 is a great price for a well constructed pant.

I paired these pants with my favorite JCrew vintage tee ..normally i don’t get too excited about plain tshirts but i’m seriously kicking myself for not buying a stack of these. These tee is made of cotton slub that gives a more “chic” look than your regular tshirt…it also comes in a boatload of colours and your choice of crew neck or vneck. I’ve been wearing mine with everything from jeans to dress pants and heels. It’s just one of THOSE tees! Regularly priced at $37.50 it’s worth it, but watch for these to periodically be featured at a special price.

American Eagle had these Metallic Cap Toe Flats on for such a steal i couldn’t leave the store without them. $14.99 YES!! i liked the idea of grounding the bright orange skimmers with the camo green flats. These flats are a neutral that can be paired with tons of colors, prints and patterns.

Throw on a denim jacket, some stacked bangles and a long necklace and you’re set!

Outfit:

Bottoms: Gap Skimmer Pants

Top: JCrew Vintage Tee

Jacket: Denim ~ old (similar here)

Shoes: American Eagle Metallic Cap Toe Flats

Gold Bangles Set, Khaki/Fushia Bangle: JCrew

Spike Bracelet: Stella and Dot

Neon Belt: JCrew Factory

Brown Leather Bangle: Vince Camuto

Necklace: House of Harlow locket

Bag: Dooney and Burke (old)

These three pieces: the skimmer pants, the tee and the flats came out to just over $100… and can all be worn interchangeably with a myriad of other pieces in my closet. Adding pieces that i already had, completed the outfit without me having to spend more!

So, are you ready to embrace some prints?? Have FUN with it! What prints are you wearing this spring?

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April 30th, 2013

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted by Laurel

With Mother’s Day approaching, i start to hear people getting that panic in their voice… what do you get to sufficiently say thank you to the woman who raised you, who sacrificed for you, who would give the world to you if she could??? That can get a little daunting, yes? To me, the answer is not to look for the biggest gift you can possibly purchase, but rather to honor your mom with gifts of the heart. To celebrate them by giving a token of your appreciation…something your mom (or wife!) will remember you chose knowing they would get a sparkle in their eye when they saw it. Isn’t that moment the best?

Here are the deets:

1 Chapters Bundle ~ Buy the Heather’s Pick novel “The Spark” by Kristine Barnett and add a monogrammed mug for $22 (online)

2 Teavana Perfect Teamaker Watch your tea brew and then, hold over your cup to watch as the maker strains the leaves and gives you the perfect cup of tea..magic! $19.50 Add this modern tea canister that would look good sitting on any kitchen counter $14.95

3 Ethel Snakeskin Gardening Gloves $20 – ok, follow me here. Gloves made specifically to fit the contours of a woman’s hand paired with the durability of it’s parent company, Mechanix Wear, known for outfitting Nascar pit crews. Long gloves for rose gardeners, waterproof palms, machine washable..these are a serious gardener’s glove.

4 Personalized Dear Mom Throw Pillow Cover starting at $29.99. What mama wouldn’t love this message of love from her kids?

This is a little unusual of me, but i have to say that Anthropologie won my heart with so many of their perfect mom treasures…i couldn’t narrow it down, so guess what? i included my 3 favourites!

5 Anthropologie’s Persica Loungers $48 …. comfy and pretty..

6 Anthropologie’s Spice Market Infinity Scarf $48 add some “spice” with this beautifully hued scarf.

7 Anthropologie’s Royal Apothetic Eau de Parfum $32 Pick your mom’s scent…floral, fresh or spice. Personally, the bottle had me at HELLO!

8 Uncommon Goods Sari Bag $35 This boho chic bag has added value. Handcrafted in India from recycled saris, it not only is one of a kind, but it will colorfuly tote mom’s “stuff” around

9 Square Lanterns from Restoration Hardware..starting at $30. Get mom excited for summer nights with a lantern or two.

For a splurge item, i can’t not include Maya Brenner’s initial necklaces (starting at $220).. i LOVE these and have been eying them forEVER! They are incredibly dainty..and simple. Add mom’s initial (s) or you and your siblings…love.

Lastly, gift your mom with a shared experience. Are you both foodies? Take a cooking class together! For us local sisters, spend an evening at Lepp Farm Market or downtown Vancouver at the Dirty Apron learning to create culinary yumminess TOGETHER!

Pause for a moment and think what your mom/wife loves…and go for it!

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April 28th, 2013

Plums Up for J.Crew Factory

Posted by Pam

Yes, I’m an online shopper….and I’m not ashamed of it! And lately, I’m really diggin’ J. Crew Factory! I’ve long time been a shopper at their outlets, but I’ve recently discovered an amazing selection of goods online at awesome prices…and you know how much I like a good deal! They often have sales, making their prices even better! And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the bright colors and bling on their site right now! Great news for Canadian sistas…they ship to your door for $9.95! Now, be prepared…it takes a few days to get to you (5-7 business days), but it’s worth it!

Here are a few of my Plum Picks from J. Crew Factory right now!

Factory Leather Envelope Clutch $55.50
Factory Brass-Plated Crystal Necklace $44.50
Factory Stone and Dotted Flower Necklace $63.50
Factory Colorblock Stripe Boatneck Tee $29.99
Factory Denim Jacket in Antique Sanded Blue Wash $95.50
Factory Cropped Straight and Narrow Jean in Garment Dye $73.50
Factory Pleated Colorblock Skirt $45.99
Factory Skimmer Pant $28.50

Confession time…I have the clutch in neon yellow! I love that it’s not a teeny tiny bag….still elegant for a dressy night out, but a good size to stash all of your essentials! I just got the crystal necklace and I think I’ve worn it every other day! It’s the perfect piece to add a touch of sparkle to almost any outfit. I have the colorblock stripe tee in neon pink….I love wearing it with longer shorts….a cute spring outfit! And I have the jean jacket and I bought it for my mom too! It’s a nice worn in denim and looks great with colored denim on the bottom or a darker wash jean.

J. Crew Factory is offering 30% off all new arrivals online only until April 30, 2013 (see website for details).

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April 25th, 2013

Spring Clean Your Closet

Posted by Laurel

it’s the message i needed to receive. big time. i was asked if i could donate some items to a wonderful group of single moms… this is the kick that i have been waiting for. i’m assuming i’m in some good company. Spring purge anyone? My closet was needing it. But as of late, i’ve been having a hoarder vs minimalist battle. This week, minimalist took charge.

image via

Yep…this is just the beginning…wait til i get to my kids and hubby’s closet! i’m not exactly sure where the term spring cleaning originated, but spring does indeed mark a time of the year where i start feeling restless to pare back and get my home looking fresh and rejuvenated. That also applies to my closet. There are many items that were just fillingspace. Taking the time to organize your wardrobe has some huge payoffs: you know what you have and what gaps need to be filled, you can make getting ready quicker because everything in your closet is actually wearable AND you can see what your options are because you’ve rid yourself of the man-eating piles of clothes!

Here are some tips to edit your closet

1. Be honest with yourself ~ listen, if you haven’t worn it for two years (that’s being generous), it’s time to part ways. i have a tendency to play the “what if i need this down the road” game. I’ve never gotten down the road…it doesn’t exist

2. Find a charity that grabs your heart. It’s just easier to part with clothes when you know that they will make someone else’s life just a little bit easier. That pair of heels that you dust off once a year, could be someone’s ticket to going for a job interview. Perspective!

3. Know your size and dress for it. We’ve all done it before…kept 3 wardrobe rotations going: our skinniest moments, our heaviest post baby days and our current size. I’m gonna say NO to that. And i’m talking to myself on this one. Having made some lifestyle changes this fall, i have found that i have a number of items hanging in my closet that don’t fit me. Why am i afraid to get rid of them? it’s a bit of a psychological game i’m playing. The fear of failing and gaining weight back. Well, i changed that. i packed those baggy pants to give away. i’m saying that i’m not going back there…especially now that i wouldn’t have those clothes just waiting for me! Buh-bye! The same goes for the items that i bought when i was ill a number of years ago. I lost an unhealthy amount of weight during that time due to the illness and heaven only knows, i’ll never be that size again. And i’m more than ok with that. So why do those Rock and Republic skinny minis stare me down??? I don’t know.. but to them? Buh-bye.

4. Get items altered or repaired as soon as the need arises. i’m embarassed to mention how many items i have collecting dust for one of two reasons: 1. They need to be altered and i just haven’t gotten around to it and 2. They are in some need of repair…a missing button, you name it. The same rule applies as #1. If these items have sat in your closet for over a year, you don’t need them.

5. Keep what you love. it’s simple. Get rid of the items that you only bought because they were marked 70% off. Hang on to the pieces that you love, that you wear and feel good in, pieces that reflect your style. And to the rest? Give them to someone who will love em!

image via

If you’re a rule follower you’re going to love this wardrobe editing tree…go on over to Modern Eve and follow this decision tree that will help you with those items you can’t make a decision on. Love this!

What are you waiting for? Do it!

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