Blue Collar Red Lipstick

06
Jan
2014

1 Item 3 Ways: Print tunic

You may remember my thrifted Simons tunic from this previous post. That’s a whole lotta print. Probably why I gravitated to it in the first place. But … it’s short. Accidental-flashing-incident-waiting-to-happen short. I bought it when I was pregnant, and obviously miscalculated its length post-baby bump. Regardless, I still love it so I’m gonna make it work, somehow, if it’s the last thing I do.

Take One: black + blue

one item three ways — Tunic (as top), Simons (thrifted); skirt, BCBG; belt, J. Crew Factory; bag, Tory Burch (via Kijiji)

The short hem line makes it perfect for wear as a “top” with my paperbag BCBG skirt. Which … is tighter than I remember. Umph! Thankfully, it still fits, because I would otherwise have a case of the wardrobe sads – I adore this skirt.

Did I mention that I also adore these shoes? Oh, I did? Like, a million times. Well, a million and one now. Blue shoes are da’ bomb. Or whatever kids these days say.

I thought this outfit would look more office-ready with a black blazer. Like so:

But, looking at the photos, I feel like this is a lot of black. A LOT. It kind of drowns out the rest of the outfit. I like it better without, even if it’s still a bit loud for the office.

Take Two: pink + sparkle

When in doubt, throw a cardigan on it. That’s one of my mantras, and it rarely fails me. Because this particular cardigan covers my butt, I tried wearing only tights. Bad idea. I looked like I forgot my pants. So I threw on leggings instead. Much better!

Can I take a moment to say how much I love my new Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC? The colour is called Pink Iris, and it’s all kinds of wonderful. I’m not sure why it took me 33 years to realize it, but pink is a totally awesome colour – and if you end up looking like you’re carrying Barbie’s purse, who cares? Rose gold is pretty nice too:

Take Three: burgundy + blue

Here’s another thing I only recently discovered: fleece-lined tights. How is that even possible? I live in Deep Freeze, Alberta for 6 months of the year, and I wear skirts most of that time. Better later than never, I guess. Fleece-lined tights are also da’ bomb.

What’s that? Am I wearing tights as pants? Ummm … they’re fleece-lined tights? Like, practically leggings? Still no? What if I throw on a coat?

The J. Crew Lady Day coat (thanks, Kijiji!) makes everything look 80% more put-together and less oops-I-forgot-my-pants. And yet.

Guys, I don’t think I can really make this work as a tunic. It’s just too damn short for this 33 year old. I’m pretty sure it’s due for the same treatment as my former DVF tunic. Thoughts?

05
Jan
2014

Boxing Day Shopping Math

categories: Shopping, style

Every year, on December 26, I trek to some place of commerce in search of promised bargains. Every year, a little later on December 26, I vow never to fall for the whole Boxing Day marketing hype. This is proof either that hope springs eternal, or that I suffer from recurring, eggnog-induced amnesia.

So, this year. Same deal. I vowed not to go anywhere near a mall, but I couldn’t just not go anywhere at all. Based on my experiences with Black Friday this year, I decided to only hit up the J. Crew Factory store. It’s a 5 minute drive from my house, and there were a few things I had been eyeing, waiting for a good sale. And if anyone is good for a decent sale, it’s J. Crew. I know. I’ve hit you over the head with my Crew love enough already. But their shopping math. It is amazing!

Take this jewel collar Oxford shell.

J Crew Boxing Day — J. Crew Factory Jewel Collar Shirt

I bought the blue version during the Black Friday sale, and love it so much that I decided I needed the white one as well. They are fantastic for layering under cardigans and sweaters, with the bonuses of a) being sleeveless (less bulk in the arms); and b) not requiring any accessorizing. Regular price on these is $90. That’s … a lot. And I say that as someone who, well, loves these shirts so much she bought two. But! I only paid $36! Shopping math, you guys – amahzing!

Of course, I also spotted a couple of other wardrobe staples on clearance so I had to buy those as well. My fave Charley sweater in camel (regularly $80, paid $16) and the Jackie cardigan in orchid pink (regularly $60, paid $14).

Boxing Day J. Crew — J. Crew Factory Charley Sweater

Bpxing Day J. Crew — J. Crew Clare Cardigan

Oh yeah, and then I saw these Anya flats.

Tried them on just on a whim. Couldn’t believe how incredibly comfortable they are. I need a new pair of shoes like a fish needs a bicycle, but I couldn’t pass these up for the comfort factor alone. I’m curious to see if they’re as amazing over the long haul. Pity they are suede, though. Again, the regular retail price is steep: $104. I paid $26, which makes these a great deal based on the quality. [The colour I bought is Chrome Green, not the pink pictured above]

Here’s 3 out of my 4 Boxing Day picks:

How were your Boxing Day shopping adventures?

Don’t forget to follow BCRL (BCRLadinaj) on Instagram!!

01
Jan
2014

2013 Review: Favourites of the Year

categories: Favourite things, Listmania, style

2013 was a weird year, style-wise, for me. Trying to keep up with the changes in my body size and shape was … trying. Looking back through the archives, I cringe at 99% of the outfits. Okay, maybe 85%. I feel like things are getting better, finally. This last pregnancy ended up really affecting my sense of style; now, I ~~hate~~ strongly dislike a lot of what used to comprise my daily “uniform”. Also, my current body hates most of it too. I’m still working on my new style “me”, but needless to say, it’s making it hard to pick favourites from my past outfits. Wah wah! But, hey, let’s try anyway!

Fave Outfits – Remix Challenge

Fave Inspired Outfits

And here are some of my favourite things:

Fave Wardrobe Staple: Adriano Goldschmied Stevie Cords

2013 review — Adriano Goldschmied Stevie Cords

Comfortable, well-fitting, good quality, great price ($20). What’s not to like? I guess pants may not be so terrible after all.

Runners-up: denim jacket (see above and here), J. Crew crew-neck merino wool sweaters (see here and here).

Fave Bargain: Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth Bag

I love the quilted style, the soft leather, the easy-to-organize inner compartments. The colour is close to Orchid Purple, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2014 – how “on trend” of me! Most of all, a $400 bag for $80? Yes, please.

Runner up: J. Crew Everly pumps (see above, here and here); Tibi dress (see here).

Fave Statement Piece: Leopard Print Pumps

Leopard print shoes go with everything. Like this, for example. I’m sure 2014 will provide many, many more examples.

Runner Up: Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress (see above, last photo).

Fave Consignment Find: Ferragamo Flavia Pumps

I love Ferragamo shoes. I love red shoes. The intersection of the two is magical.

Runners Up: Diane Von Furstenberg dress (see here); Not Your Daughter’s Jeans pants (see here).

Fave Splurge: Jimmy Choo Alma Pumps

Green leopard print? I am so down for that! This pair of Choos cost slightly (ok, a lot) more than my thrifted pair ($135, to be exact), but they’re worth it. Green leopard print, y’all!

Runner Up: Tory Burch Norah satchel (see here and here).

Fave Maternity Wear: RACHEL Rachel Roy Floral Blouse

I have worn this one too many times to count (see above, here and here), both while pregnant and since. After some recent alterations, it should transition nicely into my regular wardrobe.

Runner Up: Mexx black maxi dress (see here and here).

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (BCRLadinaj) to see more of my favourite things – every day!

Here’s to a stylish and fabulous 2014!