If you could describe yourself in one hashtag, what would it be?

 

tee & watch {Target} - skirt & long necklace {Loft} - heels {Kelly & Katie via DSW} - star necklace & karma ring {Silpada} - bow ring {Madewell}

I have been asked some pretty off-the-wall questions in interviews before, but the above question is probably the weirdest (and best!) one I've gotten thus far. I'm not sure what it says about me that I didn't find it that odd at the time nor did it take me long to think of my answer. Almost immediately, after a small chuckle, I answered "hashtag stripes" or #stripes, if you will. It came to me very naturally, even before I realized I was wearing a striped skirt, only further proving my point. I then followed it up with an anecdote involving one of my NYC girls (hey Andee!) tagging me in an Instagram photo of Joe Fresh striped shirts, only because it reminded her of yours truly. What can I say, I love my stripes and those who know me, know that.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure having an answer right away just means I'm a big social media nerd. And I mean #BIG. ;)

j.

How to Mix Prints Like a Crazy Person

I love a good horizontal stripe. I am drawn to them like moths to a flame. I am willing to put up with the supposed ten extra pounds that horizontal stripes add, that's how much I love my stripes. This being said, I thought I'd do another "1 item, X ways" post, like I did here, here and here. I'm also no stranger to mixing prints and firmly believe the more prints in one outfit, the better. So, here we go!

blazer & wedges {Target} - blouse {sample sale} - skirt {Old Navy}

Perhaps the busiest of the three outfits, I think the key to these pieces working together was the consistent size and color of the patterns. The polka-dot shirt and the skirt are about the same size of print, if that makes sense. I'd call them medium prints. It's not a micro dot shirt paired with a jumbo striped skirt. The blazer is a larger print, but since the other two are similar, it works. All three pieces are in the same color family, which helps keep things cohesive. And who doesn't love a good color blocked wedge? I'd wear this outfit to the office, provided it was a somewhat creative atmosphere and I had a job (details..).

 

tank {Target} - skirt {Old Navy} - sandals {Aldo}

This outfit ended up being my favorite, I think because I was the most comfortable in it. I occasionally stray from stripes and find myself lusting after prints with a distinct ikat or tribal motif. So I figured it was time to introduce the two of them and let me tell you, they got along swimmingly. I would wear this outfit to have drinks with friends, provided I had friends (kidding...kind of).

blouse {sample sale} - skirt {Old Navy} - shoes {thrifted}

This outfit was the surprise stand out of the day. I mean, mixing stripes with polka-dots and even florals is no brain surgery, but these three prints came together surprisingly well, if I do say so myself. Again, I think the consistent color palette between the blouse and the shoes helped keep things from being "your great Aunt crazy". Also, if you think about it (and I do..) the heart print blouse is really just a slight variation of a polka-dot. Which brings me to the shoes, I wish ALL my shoes had polka-dots on them, I really do. I would wear this outfit to a family dinner, because they HAVE to love me.

Have you guys ever mixed patterns together for an unexpected success? Let me know, I'd love to try more!

j.

Back on Canadian Soil

tank {Gap} - jean jacket {thrifted} - maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} - necklace {gift} - watch {Target}

Everyone keeps asking me how it feels to be back in Canada. Quite honestly, I want to tell them it feels like I'm on vacation because I haven't started to do anything un-vacation like. Next they ask me if Calgary is way different than NYC. Well, yes. The first word that came to mind as I was flying into the city, was sprawling. It's just so wide and open here. It's also cold, green and quiet. Cold, in a non-humid, sort of way which is winning in my books. The absolute silence is kinda freaking me out though. Someone just honk their horn already!

I'm still figuring out the whole job situation which is fine with me. In the meantime, I've taken up juicing as a hobby. I'm borderline obsessed and have somehow convinced my Dad to start a 3 day juice cleanse with me tomorrow. I'm really excited about it but have full expectations that I will be a monster for the next 72 hours. Be thankful you don't have to be around me.

j.

One Sweater, Five Ways

A few weeks ago, my talented friend, Leyla, offered to take photos for me. I, of course, said yes and on one of the coldest days in a while decided to pose in Central Park without a jacket on. This sweater is one of my favorites because of its versatility. I received it a couple of years ago as a gift from my aunt (who's shopping gene I inherited!). When I unwrapped this gift, I had NO idea what to do with this sweater looking thing with a whole bunch of extra fabric. Well, after some experimentation and website consulting, I figured out the five ways to wear it.

This is how I wear it most often because I like how it drapes and there's not much fuss.

I've never worn it like this before, but I think I'm going to start. This way makes for a more blazer sort of feel, which I like if you want to wear something else underneath.

This is probably the easiest way to wear it and I can't believe I haven't given this option more of a chance. This style was definitely the surprise standout of the day. It also happened to photograph beautifully and had lots of natural movement.

To be honest, this style is a bit silly. Basically the same as number three but with one end thrown over your shoulder. I guess it could fancy up an outfit or act almost as a shawl over top of a dress but I likely won't be wearing it like this any time soon.

This style was my least favorite and it even looks better in the photo than it did in real life, so that's not saying much for it. I may have been doing it wrong but there was a lot of extra fabric behind me that we didn't know what to do with. I don't think this style is overly flattering but I do like the contradiction of stripes, so that's something.

sweater {Jacob} - jeans {Gap} - booties {Top Shop} - moose necklace {Prima Donna} - bracelets {Gap}

So there you have it. One sweater worn five different ways. And in case you didn't notice, those are tiny stars on my jeans. So, in a way this outfit was a gray scale version of the American flag. That is about as patriotic as I will get for you America!

j.

*A big thanks to Leyla for being a trooper in the cold and for all the beautiful photos!!! Check out just how talented this girl is HERE!

The Truth About Heels

chambray shirt {Forever 21} - striped shirt {Century 21} - sweater skirt {Madewell} - 

black leather tote {Banana Republic} - polka-dot socks {Gap} - black booties {Topshop}

You probably thought I'd be wearing heels in these photos, right? The truth is, this is about the highest heel you will see featured on this blog. I know what you're thinking, "girl...you cray cray, that isn't even a heel". Well, you're right. But I remain firm in my stance that this is the highest of heels that you'll see here. This is for a couple reasons. One, rarely do I wear heels during the day and this is when all my photos are taken. And two, you try stomping around NYC in a pair of heels and then let me know if I even need to give you a second reason.

It's a bit of a shame really. I feel like the laws of high heels have it a bit backwards. I would proclaim that a city, such as, New York would be the perfect place to wear heels in your day-to-day life. However, the amount of walking and standing one does during the day in New York makes wearing them down right stupid. I know there are women out there (because I've seen them with my own two eyes) who make it their mission to wear heels wherever they go. Many of those women have personal drivers and a desk job so really that's just unfair and they're rubbing it in. But, the select few brave souls who wear their heels to run errands, walk anything more than one city block and do not spend the majority of their day sitting down - well, I bow to you. Really. 

I wore a pair of heels to an event this weekend. I think I was crying by the end of hour one. I was certain of nerve damage by hour three and by the end of the night in the cab I was convinced that my feet would be bleeding, if even still there, when I got home.

So, to all my heel wearing sisters out there: I salute you.

j.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

black top {Urban Outfitters} - black & white striped maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} - geometric necklace {So Good} - 

NYC purse {gift} - gold watch {Target} - arrow bracelet {Etsy} - silver gladiators {Aldo} - photo credit {Kiki}

Sometimes the best things happen in the least amount of time. These photos are one of those things. I was really pleased with how they turned out and they were taken in, literally, under 30 seconds. Kiki and I were on our way to meet her aunt and uncle and needed to be there at a certain time. We had no time to spare but, of course, I asked her to take a quick photo anyways. She rolled her eyes at me and said only if you run across the street and start posing so I can get there, snap a few pics and we can keep walking. I feel like it would be at this time that most normal people would forgo the photo shoot. But I am anything but normal, so I ran and got my pose on so she would take a few photos. Which she did, in record time. And the result was pure magic (if I do say so myself). Thanks to the Keeks for always putting up with photo requests. I've heard people say before that behind every fashion blogger is a photographer boyfriend/husband. Well, behind (or in front, if we want to get technical) me, is a very patient bestie, who never says no to a photo shoot and always directs me to get the best shot, even when time is not on our side (which is usually always).

j.

Dots, Stripes & Challenges

One of my bestest friends was talking to me about my blog a little while ago and she told me that she always enjoyed the outfits I posted, but she was ready to see more. She, in a way, challenged me to step outside my comfort zone (as she often does). She wanted to see me take more chances. And so I put this outfit together with her in mind. While I love it, looking at the photos I realize it is still very safe. A fashion blogger (I use this term loosely) mixing polka dots with stripes?!? Whoa. Shocker. Anyways, this is what I wore to that photography course last weekend and to hang out with Sesame at the Hester Street Market/China Town/SOHO (we like to maximize our time together).

polka-dot blouse {sample sale} - striped skirt & sunnies {H&M} - red bracelet {Burkman Bros.} -

yellow tote {Fossil via Brooklyn Flea} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

Speaking of challenges, I had an inspiring conversation with my supervisor at Bloomie's today. She asked me what I wanted to do with my fashion education once I complete it and although I don't know the answer to that yet, it got me thinking. She told me to make the most of this internship and gain as much experience as I possibly can out of it, which I was already consciously doing. She did mention this little 'ol blog here and complimented my writing and way of expression, which was really nice to hear. I have surprised myself since starting this how much I love writing. At the end of our conversation, she offered me one piece of advice. To challenge myself. Perfectly simple. Simply perfect.

I feel lucky to have such an amazing internship opportunity. I am taking the advice I received today to heart. All I have to say is, challenge accepted.

j.

One Dress, Three Ways

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to, arguably, my favorite article of clothing currently in my closet. Whoa...perhaps that's too strong of a statement. Well, it's definitely my favorite dress currently in my closet. Ok, I feel better about that. I would hate for that skirt or these boots to get jealous now...

Anyways, friends meet striped dress. I bought it in the summer and it is the gift that just keeps on giving. I've basically been wearing it year round, just throw on some tights and you are good to go. Oh yeah, I also loved it so much I went back and bought it in another color. You should know that I am a stripe hoarder, who specializes in horizontal stripes, specifically navy and white ones.

Outfit 1: dress {Joe Fresh} - necklaces {Banana Republic} - woven belt {Old Navy} - clutch {justfabulous.com} - neon wedges {Kensie Girl via Century 21};  Outfit 2: dress {Joe Fresh} - necklaces {Banana Republic} -  fuschia belt {Loft} - navy jacket {Jacob} - wedge booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21};  Outfit 3: dress {Joe Fresh} - blazer, necklace & shoes {borrowed from Kiki}

One last remark about the love of my life dress. The best part of all was that she cost a mere $20. Thank you, Joe Fresh, for being so awesome.

I hope you all got a kick out of my ridiculous and somewhat awkward posing above. I really do amaze myself some times. One thing I learned while editing these photos was that I could do with a good, old fashioned posture lesson. Stand straight young lady, sheesh!

Happy Monday!

j.

New York Happenings

This is what I was wearing when I had my second celebrity sighting since moving to NYC. I actually put this outfit together for that really big project I was talking about the other night, but truth betold, I would definitely wear this look in real life. I just felt the need to mention that in order to prepare you all for the really impressive sweater modeling you see below...

navy & white striped sweater {Banana Republic} - denim button-up {Forever 21} - aviator sunnies {Windsor} - hoop earrings {etsy} -

navy skirt {Loft} - white watch {Palm Desert street market} - gold & tan tote {Indigo} - white loafers {Isaac Mizrahi via Target}

So, after my extensive sweater modeling skills had been exhausted, I took myself to one of my favorite cafes in the neighbourhood for some lunch and to work on that huge project. Turns out the street the cafe is on was being used to film an upcoming movie, called Americana. Starring Ashley Greene. None other than the vampire, Alice Cullen, in the Twilight series.  I saw real live actors, all the film equipment and cameras and heard the director yelling "action" and "we're rolling". They kept filming the same scene right outside the cafe, one that involved high pitched screaming. After a few hours, the director yelled "and that's a wrap" (they really do say that stuff!) and all the excitement was over. Not going to lie, I'm not sure I would've recognized Ashley Greene on my own (what with, long brown hair, a healthy complexion and blood running through her veins...). But after the girls in the cafe filled me in, I still went all paparazzi on her and creepily took a few photos from the doorway.

Now, for those of you who were paying attention up there, I said this was my second celebrity sighting. The first was definitely even more exciting. Despite lasting all of ten seconds. But I was big time star struck. I was walking to class on Seventh Avenue and who do I see riding his bike in a charming baby blue sweater, slacks and some sneakers? I'll give you a hint. He has a camera around his neck and is approaching ninety. Give up? OK, I'll tell you. It was THE Bill Cunningham. Street fashion photographer extraordinaire for the NY Times. For those of you who don't know who this is, go watch the documentary "Bill Cunningham New York" and fall in love. You'll thank me later.

Oh, New York. You're pretty cool.

j.

Brooklyn Blues

I have a confession to make. I have a huge crush. That's always on my mind. I am completely, 100% enamored. Pure lusting. Painfully longing. For Brooklyn. No, I do not mean some emo guy with a trendy name. I am in love with the largest borough NYC has to offer. I heart Brooklyn! I have only had the chance to explore three separate areas of Brooklyn and I love each of them. But Williamsburg had my heart the moment I exited the subway onto Bedford Ave. It is like an escape from the city. A glimpse into another world. A trendy, boho, hipster sort of world. Where everybody knows your name....wait that's Cheers not Brooklyn. Anyways, I digress. It feels homey, trendy, vibrant, quaint. Oddly reminiscent of the West Coast. Who knew beanies and plaid would make me nostalgic for the hipster scene of Victoria. Want to know what the best part of all is? You can see the sky! AND stars!!! Without having to crane your neck to look directly above you. It's magical, really.

navy & white checkered button-up {Banana Republic} - tan knit sweater {Sweet Romeo via Century 21} -

dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - striped canvas flats {Report via Century 21} -

bronze beaded cuff {NYC flea market} - royal blue cuff {Aldo} - blue cluster earrings {etsy} - sunnies {Vancouver vintage shop}

What sparked this little love affair with Williamsburg, you ask? My roomies and I went there on Sunday night to watch a friend of theirs play soccer. Long story short, certain beverages consumed the previous night resulted in some misinformation being relayed. Such as the name of the field they were playing at. We did watch a lovely British men's soccer team play for about half an hour until we realized that we did not actually recognize any of the players. Yep. We were three creepy girls just chilling on the sidelines at a completely random soccer match. And this is us awkwardly getting up and walking the very long distance back to the entrance to the field.

My roomie felt badly for dragging us to Brooklyn for a nonexistent soccer game. I, however, was too busy falling in love to care. In order to stay in Brooklyn for as long as possible and keep the spark alive, I suggested going for a tea. After consulting Yelp (you never let me down), we ended up at Saint's Alp Teahouse. An amazing bubble tea and Asian restaurant. A coconut milk tea with tapioca pearls and steamed dumplings later, it was official. Williamsburg and I are forever.

j.

Nautically Color Blocked

What an experience the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (IFBcon) was on Wednesday. It was a day full of learning, networking and making new friends. After stressing for a few days on what one should wear to a fashion blogging conference I settled on this outfit because I think it spoke to my aesthetic (this girl loves her stripes) by having elements of old and new. It also had some whimsical, or should I say quirky, elements - and for those that know me well, know that this speaks pretty well to my personality. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated going into this by myself. One may think that a room full of such fashionable ladies (and gents...but mostly ladies) has the potential for some judge judies (new term but you get where I'm going), but I was delighted to find out that everyone there was very friendly, welcoming and, more than anything, inspiring.

 

The set-up of the conference was four sets of panels. The panels were made up of a mix of established bloggers and industry professionals and each spoke to a specific topic. My favorite panel of the day was the last one - Making your Blog Irresistable. All of the experts had insightful, helpful and encouraging things to say. I think the two main things I took away from the conference were that, although many bloggers have the goal of turning blogging into their career, I don't think I do. Obviously I'm still the new kid on the blogging block so anything can happen, but I think I see this little guy as a hobby and perhaps more of a stepping stone to my career - whatever that may be! It was mentioned a few times throughout the day that a blog is the new resume. Next, I learned that I really need to buckle down and learn how to be a proficient tweeter because Twitter is basically the bloggers way to network in the 21st century.

So I just have to take a brief moment to brag gush about the awesome swag bag attendees received. It was chocked full of ah-may-zing goodies from the sponsors. Zoya nail polish, Glamour magazine, Lifebooker gift card and a Bauble Bar gem, to name just a few. One of the highlights for this bauble hoarder was obviously the piece of jewlery from Bauble Bar. Seeing several different items being opened, it was like Christmas morning opening that shiny black box to see what lay inside for me. I could not be happier with my jewel-toned bracelet. And as if that wasn't enough, they're asking us to tweet them a photo of how we style the piece for a chance to win a gift certificate for even more baubles!

 

I lucked out and sat beside a real sweetheart. She is also a newbie to the blogging world and I think she has just the neatest blog. It's called The Little Things (Check her out! You won't regret it.) and is about how you can transform an outfit (or apartment) with the right accessories (ie. the little things). Cute, right? Anyways, she was of course wearing one of the cooler pieces of jewlery I have ever seen. Something I have never seen before and now want for myself. Her nails weren't half bad either!

blue & white striped blazer {vintage Liz Claiborne via Brooklyn Flea} - birdcage necklace & scrabble ring {Brooklyn Flea} -

gold cuff {thrifted from VV Boutique} - tan ruffle tank {The Gap} - navy blue skirt {Loft} - purple tights {Hue} -

 beige suede wedge booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21} - navy purse {Matt & Nat}

Well, I think that about does it for now. I went away with a few new ideas for this wee little blog here and I'm happy to say that one of them is already in the works. All I'll say is I'm thinking of adding a weekly feature so check back this weekend because I'll have the first edition up. And I'm so excited for it so I hope you will be too!

Thanks IFB, it really was a day to remember!

j.