Calling All Booties

 

 

top & jeans {RW&Co} - booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21} - watch {Target}

So, I have a bit of a thing for ankle booties. What exactly is a bootie anyways? Is it a cross between a boot and a shoe? (I'm trying really hard to not make a joke about something called a "shoot" right now...). I'm sure there are varying definitions, but in my head a bootie is exactly that. A nice mix of a shoe and an ankle boot. This pair happens to be one of my faves. Partly because it has a hidden wedge heel so I a) feel taller b) can still walk (because of the wedge) and c) feel like a secret-keeping rebel (because of the hidden wedge heel, of course). Also, a fun little tip to spice up a pair of boring old booties is to swap out the regular laces for a different colored pair. Trust me, instant transformation, even more instant satisfaction.

I'll let you in on a gross little secret. I have upwards of a hundred pairs of shoes. I've never actually counted - partly because I'm scared to know the truth but mainly because there are just too many shoes - but I know it has to be close. Many of these shoes are booties (or ankle boots, or whatever you want to call them). They just seem to be the perfect complement to any Fall outfit. Warm feet without hot legs (this sounded much better in my head). Can be worn with skinny jeans, skirts or dresses. Oh, the possibilities!

Anyways, things are starting to get a bit weird so I'll stop. But do yourself a favor if you don't already have a pair (or ten), and go invest (at Target) in some ankle booties for the Fall.

j.

Getting a Head Start on Halloween

shirt {DKNY} - jeans {Gap} - boots {RW&Co} - purse {Target} - necklace {NYC street vendor} - rings {The Bay}

My sissy (in law) snapped these pics of me outside of Value Village before we headed in to search for some 60's inspired garb for a Mad Men themed costume party. I have to tell you that now is the time to hit up the thrift stores if you're in need of a Halloween costume. There was so much good stuff that I ended up not buying anything costume related (obviously I still bought two other "real life" items, who do you think I am?!). The choices were abundant and I got overwhelmed by the possibilities. A strong contender was a royal blue 100% silk sequined number with fabulous shoulder pads. Think Vanna White in the late 80's. In hindsight, I may have to go back for that one...

Other standouts included grass skirts (I mean, who doesn't want to wear a grass skirt?) and rubber snakes attached to shirts (what?). And since the following onesie is just too good I will leave you all with this...enjoy and happy Sunday!

j.

New Hair + New Shoes = Blog Post

 

 

 

t-shirt {Gap} - skirt {J. Crew} - sandals {Le Chateau} - rings {The Bay} - necklaces {UO, etsy, Madewell} - 

wrinkles in skirt {bedroom floor}

So I'm really digging the casual tee paired with a dressier skirt thing these days. This outfit was my attempt at that but really the skirt should be a bit fancier than this one. Maybe with pleats or something. Because pleats mean fanciness. 

Tomorrow is my birthday, Friday is the day I leave for Phoenix and Saturday is the day I melt into a ginger puddle in the middle of the desert. But at least I got my hair did and bought myself a new pair of shoes before the aforementioned melting. So that's something.

j.

That Time I Wore a Football Tee & Baseball Hat and Called Myself Sporty

hat {Target} - tee {H&M} - pants {Joe Fresh} - shoes {TOMS, thrifted}

Next Friday my whole family (aunt, uncle, cousins and babe too!) leave for Phoenix to celebrate my grandma's 90th (!!!) birthday. While we're there, a bunch of us are going to a real live baseball game. Naturally the first thing I do is go shopping for a baseball tee to wear to the game. I didn't find a baseball tee but I did find this football jersey tee. This is not the first time I have sought out something to wear to a sporting event. Right before I left NYC, I went to a Rangers hockey game wearing a Rangers tee I had purchased a few days before. 

I asked a guy friend if wearing a football tee to a baseball game would make me look foolish. He said no (I'm sure he actually meant yes) so I'm going with it. Rest assured if I find an actual baseball tee before the game, I will buy that too. You can take the shopper to a sports game, but you can never take the shopper out of the girl....or something really poetic like that.

j.

j. loves {her} style: The Original Boho

Remember when I tied a scarf around my head and called it fashion? Well, I got that idea from my favorite boho beauty, who also happens to be my bestie. This is Sasha Rae and I will always love her style. Sash is one of those people who just naturally pulls stuff off. I mean, this girl was rocking the lace bralettes and band tanks waaay before they were cool. But she always looked cool doing it, if you know what I mean. While she certainly has a natural style and is, of course, drawn to items that reflect it, she is probably the most thoughtful shopper I have ever known. She may actually be my shopping opposite. Where I base decisions on emotion and immediate satisfaction, Sasha weighs the pros and cons of each and every purchase, does a complete wardrobe inventory to determine the item's need and has likely placed it on hold every three days for the past two weeks. 

In the end, she winds up with a perfectly curated and unique wardrobe that is 100% true to her personal style. Perhaps she may be on to something...

j.

The Perfect Denim Shorts

heart blouse {sample sale} - shorts {Gap} - sandals {Aldo} - sunnies {Target} - bracelet {NYC flea market}

Shorts and I have had a rather fickle relationship over the years. For the longest time, I just didn't wear them because I hate my knees, they're too tight, Victoria isn't hot enough of stupid girl stuff. In recent years though I've mended my relationship with the short and slowly started to introduce them to my closet again. Since our reconciliation I have been searching for the perfect denim cut-off short. I have bought two, thinking they could be THE ONE but alas they were not. Then, out of nowhere (OK fine, I was at Gap), I saw this pair on the sale rack. I had recently purchased two new pairs of shorts, and while we are on good terms, I didn't want to rush things. But this pair was SO soft and I knew as soon as I held them up that they could be THE ONE. I tried them on and my gut was right. THIS pair of shorts guys! I can't even. It feels like I'm wearing sweat shorts but hopefully doesn't look that way.

Anyways, moral of the story is that I'm a weirdo when it comes to shorts but I LOVE this pair. That is all.

j.

Nice Bones

black jacket {Jacob} - skeleton tee {Zara} - polka-dot jeans {Macy's} - 

black booties {Top Shop} - arrow earrings {H&M}

So, a few days ago I rambled about my love for patterned jeans. Well, I have another fashion love to tell you about. It's the graphic tee. The kookier the better is my general rule when it comes to picking out the perfect one. I also like tees that have a sort of vintage-y feel to them. So when I saw this particular one in Zara, and for more than half off no less!, I knew I had to make it mine. I think this trend is something that could make for a good thrift adventure too and we all know I feel real good about thrift adventures. That may just have to go on my to-do list. I like to include enjoyable, totally unnecessary tasks on my to-do lists. It makes me feel more accomplished that way.

j.

Patterns on Pants: A Confession

striped sweater & polka-dot pants {Gap} - brown boots {J. Crew sample sale} - 

triangle necklace {gift, from Urban Outfitters}

I have a confession to make. I have a full blown obsession with patterned pants. Wow, that feels so much better. It's true. I love them. I know that they've been a trend for a while now, but sometimes it takes me a while to get on board with a certain trend. I tried on many pants that had patterns before actually purchasing a pair because it took me a while to find the right ones. It's one of those things (much like my experience with colored denim) that need to be just right in order to avoid looking like grandma's sofa or miss stumpy legs. So, obviously a pair of dark blue polka-dot pants was the perfect pair to ease me into the world of below of the belt prints. 

I have since acquired two additional pairs of pants, both on the more conservative side of the patterned world. This weekend, I was shopping at H&M (as I do...) and got very excited about a few bolder patterns I saw, so naturally I took a handful of pants into the change room with me. Well, let's just say these pants' sizing standards wreaked havoc on my self confidence and knocked me swiftly off of my "I went to the gym three times this week" pedestal. Needless to say, no pants from H&M came home with me. Really H&M, two sizes larger than I usually wear and I'd need a small army to put them on each day?!? Thanks, but no thanks. Rant, over. (I still love you H&M, only because you have a lot of stripes and animal print.)

j.

That 70's Outfit

blouse & vest {sample sale} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - 

white desert booties {thrifted in Toronto} - bracelets {Flirt boutique & etsy} - gold watch {Target}

 

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. I think I would have really enjoyed living through the 60's and 70's. Both of these decades had fantastic fashion and styles. So I'm glad that it's acceptable to wear outfits today that are reminiscent of times gone past. Or at the very least, it's acceptable to me. And that's really all that counts.

On a completely unrelated note, I'm going to give myself a challenge to NOT shop until December 26. That's right, I will not buy myself any clothes, accessories or shoes for the next 40 days. Sounds easy enough... For those of you who don't know the importance of December 26, it's a little day us Canucks like to call Boxing Day. It's like Black Friday, just without the human stampedes and getting trampled to death. My bestie in Calgary and I are seasoned Boxing Day shoppers. In our prime, we hit three malls in one day. We have it down to a science. Our outfits are layerable for the ease of trying clothes on, we start early and ensure we stay well fed and hydrated throughout the day and we are not above dropping trou' in the corner of a store to try on jeans (well...she may be but I am certainly not, I mean who closes their change rooms on the busiest shopping day of the year?!). Here's to the next 40 days of not shopping so that I can go crazy crazier than usual on the 26th!

j.

Gift Giving Guide: {For the Fashionable Philanthropist}

I know it may seem a bit early for a holiday gift guide but I know there are some early shoppers out there (attention: MOM). I'm going to be posting a different gift guide each week from now until the week before Christmas or so. Each guide will be geared toward a specific person (or category of people). If you have any suggestions for a gift guide you would like to see or would find useful, please leave a comment and I'll see what I can do! I should also mention that any item with stars around it means I either have it and love it or know someone first-hand who has it and loves it. I hope you enjoy the first edition of j.love's Gift Giving Guide: {For the Fashionable Philanthropist}.


1. Clutches by VOZ --- Translating to "voice" in Spanish, VOZ has found theirs by connecting fashion designers with Mapuche weavers in Southern Chile. Made out of natural wool fibers that have been sourced locally and dyed naturally, a VOZ clutch is sure to impress even the most environmentally friendly fashionista on your gift list this year.

2. For the Bees Bracelet --- It's time to talk about the birds and the bees. Burt's Bees has teamed up with Canadian indie-luxe jewelry designer, Jenny Bird to bring you this adorable bee bracelet, available in gold and silver. This limited-edition piece is creating a buzz by donating all of it's proceeds to the Pollinator Partnership - a not-for-profit organization devoted to saving Canada's depleting bee population.

3. Sprout Watches --- Be kind (to our earth) and give the gift of time this holiday season. Sprout watches are made out of environmentally friendly materials, such as, bamboo, corn and organic cotton. Watch faces come in cool textures like wood and cork for a truly unique green gift.

4. The Vanity Project Tees --- The Vanity Project (TVP) is all about high quality fabrics with cool logos for clothing with meaning. This Chicago-based company was started by two friends who were searching for something more meaningful to do. They simply work with charities to tweak or redesign their logos and create t-shirts that fit well and are visually appealing, while still maintaining the charity's image and core values. Since TVP gives 51% of proceeds back to the charity, you can look great and make a difference all at the same time.

5. Westward Leaning Sunnies --- Featuring the same fashionable frame on every pair, Westward Leaning sunglasses stand out because of the small unique material they inlay on the arms of each pair. Meant to honor a social cause or progressive issue, materials range from wood to brass and even antler. Based in San Francisco, Westward Leaning donates $10, for every pair sold, to education programs related to the special achievements the sunglasses celebrate. With so many fun options, the hardest decision will be deciding which one to give.

6. Love Is Mighty Shoes --- Love Is Mighty (LIM) was born in 2011 from a passion to preserve the indigenous craft of Indian artisans. All shoes are handmade and 100% vegan. The pumps seen above are made out of recycled biscuit wrappers and hand woven on looms. 

7. TOMS + FEED Shoes --- By now, most of us know about TOMS shoes and how they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Well, they decided this was just not enough giving so they partnered with FEED Projects to create a pair of shoes that also funds 12 school meals for every one sold. This is a great gift idea for the TOMS lover on your list (and you know there is one!).

8. FEED + Tory Burch Bag --- FEED Projects is on fire these days and has also partnered with Tory Burch to bring you a cross-body messenger bag made out of traditional FEED burlap bags with colorful mochilla webbing handles. Together they aim to raise $100,000 for the FEED Foundation and Tory Burch Foundation. Available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada, buy yours now as this bag is only available for a limited time.


Remember to leave me a comment if you would love to see a gift giving guide for someone specific. Happy Shopping!

j. 

Pointing Fingers

You know how sometimes you will make a clothing purchase a little too hastily and that item ends up sitting in your closet for months on end? I've been making a real effort lately to minimize the amount that this happens to my purchases. On the other hand, there are times when you make a real solid purchase decision and that item finds it way into your regular rotation of clothing. This blue skirt is one of those real good purchase decisions. Every time I wear it, I am so happy I bought it. And I may be a bit of a weirdo but to me there is hardly anything better than having your shopping habits validated in this way.

black tank {Victoria's Secret} - blue skirt {Zara} - belt {Loft} - sunnies {H&M} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

I have officially been to each of my classes now and met all of my profs. I can tell you that I am happy with five out of seven of my profs, and to be fair the other two aren't horrible just....what's the word, perhaps eccentric...each in their own way. I am most excited for photoshop and retailing because the former will allow me to use my creativity and the latter will be most beneficial to what I'm interested in pursuing as a career.

I hope you're all having a great long weekend!

j.

A Love Letter

So, I'm not going to lie to you. Several of the items you see up there are waiting not-so-patiently in my closet to be worn. The rest of them are being severely coveted by yours truly. In case you also want to do some Fall shopping from the comfort of wherever you happen to be right now, here are the deets!

Ankle boots --> Topshop

Striped cardigan --> Madewell

Polka-dot sweater --> Old Navy

Stud Bracelets --> Etsy

Studded waistband pants --> Zara

Studded slippers --> Zara

Chambray shirts --> J Crew

Leather sleeved tee --> Zara

Leather sleeved blazer --> Theory

Black knee-high rainboots --> Chooka

What are you dying to bust out this Fall?

j.

Summer Shopping

Hi Friends! I'm back, I've survived finals, finished my first semester at Parsons and moved into a sexy new apartment. Sorry for my lack of posting but moving plus finals equals crazy town. I am on a little Canadian vacation right now, visiting family and friends and it could not be more needed. As much as I'm loving NYC, I really do miss seeing the sky and green grass on the daily. With finals behind me, my shopping senses are feeling pretty tingly right about now. I did a little perusing online and wanted to share what I'm drooling over at the moment. Best part of all? With the exception of one pair of shoes, everything is under $40! Enjoy...

Summer Sandals:

1) Target

2) Target

3) Old Navy

4) Sam Edelman via Bloomingdale's

Stripes, Stripes & More Stripes:

1) Joe Fresh
2) Joe Fresh
3) Joe Fresh
4) Joe Fresh

Maxi Skirts:

1) Topshop
2) Old Navy
3) Target
4) Target

Printed Shorts:

1) Forever 21
2) Forever 21
3) Forever 21
4) Target
5) Target

I have a serious obsession with Joe Fresh and stripes, so naturally stripes from Joe Fresh rank high on my drool-o-meter. I'm pretty happy to report that I did visit Superstore today (which, granted, is not as cool as the Joe Fresh stores in NYC, but they have a much better selection and better prices so it wins first place in my books). Sadly nothing striped came home with me, but I did find the most comfortable black jersey maxi skirt.

I will try and post a few times while I'm in greener pastures.

j.

Oxford Army

So I may have done just a wee bit of shopping this weekend. I may be wearing an entirely new outfit, with the exception of my jeans. Okay, fine! There is no doubt about it, I did go shopping this weekend and I am most definitely wearing my newly purchased items. I just can't help myself sometimes. We'll blame it on my professor who let us out of class early on Thursday, Forever 21 for being located across from the subway stop and Century 21 for being located too close to my building. Yep, I feel better about things now.

army jacket, sweater & necklace {Forever 21} - blue scarf {Palm Desert street market} -

dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - burgundy oxfords {Dolce Vita via Century 21}

What with the plethora of sixteen year olds who will be wearing the same items as me and the quality of said items (or lack thereof), I really try not to buy things from Forever 21, not going to lie. But they really do have cute things most of the time. And don't even get me started on their price tags. Or jewlery section. I mean, come on, less than $5 for the necklace I'm wearing. Really, Forever 21? You are killing me....in a really good way.

I am going to try (try being the key word in this sentence) to refrain myself from shopping for the next 10 days. Because in 10 days I get a visit from one of my besties, Sand. I am beyond excited. She's been working on the East Coast of Canada for the past 9 months, either on a boat or in the lab. This means she's been wearing long johns, birkenstocks and wool socks...most likely all at the same time (you know it's true, Sand!). I know she'll want to do a little shopping with me, so obviously I will oblige (twist my rubber arm). I think some thrifting and definitely the Brooklyn Flea are in order. I can go 10 days without buying something, right? My track record tends to say otherwise...

j.

Mad Hatter

Good evening lovelies. I'm writing this post at 1:00am because I have a very busy week ahead of me and I have the time at this moment. A quick preview into my next couple days to keep you all coming back. On Wednesday, I am going to the IFB Conference. This is a fashion blogging conference that's being held at Milk Studios in NYC. I am so excited to meet other bloggers, learn  a lot and, I'll be honest here, I'm also pretty freaking excited for the swag bags! I'm already plotting my outfit because I will be in a room full of uber-stylish fashionistas so the pressure is on. As if that's not enough, on Friday I'm volunteering for the Jen Kao runway show during NY Fashion Week. No. Big. Deal. Definitely more to come on those two events! In the meantime, as if fleaing (here I go, making up words again) wasn't enough for one weekend, my friend Sesame and I went thrifting on Sunday in hunt for a 40's dress for her to wear to a themed wedding. Obviously there was some photo-taking and stops for food along the way.

Finger-less gloves are my new best friend. Each of us was rocking a pair so obviously a photo had to be taken. Yes, those are zippers are on ear lobes. A flea purchase from the day before.

Shopping takes stamina so sustenance was sought. Twelve blocks away. But so totally worth it at Ess-A-Bagel. We got a sweet and a savory one and went halfers. Cinnamon raison bagel with apple cinnamon cream cheese. And an everything bagel with lox cream cheese. Pretty sure I died and went to heaven right there in the shop. A quick stop for a london fog (earl grey tea latte) and giant cookie was also in order.

The first stop was the "thriftique", AuH2O, where no 40's dresses were found. The 80's did call while we were there and Madonna wants her jacket back. As amazing as this jacket was, it did not come home with me. Don't worry, two other items did.

Our next stop was Village Style (where I bought this coat). They have the best selection of vintage hats. Sesame modelled a few for me and ended up finding a gorgeous baby blue and lavender beaded floral headpiece that we decided is definitely reminiscent of the 40's. Now, to find a dress to match the headpiece.

striped scarf {gift} - green wool coat {Aritzia} - green finger-less gloves {Angelrox} - white leather purse {Coach} -

beige top {Winners} - gold bird cage necklace {Brooklyn Flea} - bright blue skinnies {The Gap} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

It really was a great weekend. I can't wait for all of the exciting events I have coming up this week, so check back soon as I'll be sure to fill you all in.

Now, it's really past my bedtime. It is a school night after all.

j.