BUILDING A WARDROBE: BAGS

"I'm thinking that balls are to men what purses are to women. It's just a little bag, but we feel naked in public without it." - Carrie Bradshaw

 

1. The Satchel 

 Marche aux Puces Clignancourt, Paris

The satchel is a great everyday purse - practical and elegant. Look for a nice leather bag that will age well and fit all your day-to-day necessities. If you don't like leather, then another great option is canvas, which comes in a variety of colours and patterns. This is a piece that is definitely worth investing in since it will become a wardrobe staple. Wear With: Try a slim, dark jean with ankle boots, a white button down and a blazer for a polished, sophisticated look. Remember - purses are versatile so play around with different looks. Recommended: Check out local markets for great hand-made pieces or try this version I've been coveting from Fossil (find it here).

2. The Handbag

Aldo Accessories

The handbag is a must for the workplace, since it's classy and elegant. Better yet, you don't have to break the bank to find a nice one - most department store and box stores carry some great versions. Don't be afraid to play around with bright colours! Crocodile skin and other leather prints are always a nice option as well. Before making a purchase consider whether you prefer a single or double handle and if you like to carry your bag at the elbow or on your shoulder. Wear With: Style with a tailored dress and pumps or with jeans and a blazer. Recommended: Aldo just released a new version of the handbag above (find it here) or try this faux-crocodile bag (find it here).

3. The Tote

 

Tri-Delta Tote Bag (left) and Joe Fresh (right)

Totes are a nice option for days when you have to carry around a lot of stuff, like a beach trip, picnic or overnight stay. Canvas is my suggestion since it washes out easily and you can fold it up and store it in another bag if you need to. Try a nautical colour scheme or a bold print for a summery feel. Avoid plastic or vinyl. It may be easy to clean, but it looks cheap and you don't want people to see everything that you have in your bag. Wear With: Reserve your tote for overnights and day trips. It's the perfect way to stay stylish while getting to your destination! Recommended: Sadly, the white tote above is only available to members of the Delta-Delta-Deta sorority (my sister is a Tri-Delt), but find a similar version here.

4. The Clutch

Costa Blanca

Clutches are great for formal occasions when you don't want to carry a lot of stuff with you. Try a bold colour and experiment with fabrics before you make a decision. Look for details like beading, hardware, decals, ruffles and patterns. The clutch is small, so you can go big when it comes to details. Make sure that you still have enough room to hold your phone, money and makeup, nothing too tiny. Avoid bags that look like they are on their way to prom and instead think sleek and sophisticated. Wear With: Pair it with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to an evening gown. Clutches are pretty versatile. Recommended: Try this sparkly Forever 21 bag (find it here). Most vintage stores carry clutches as well, which is a great way to find a unique piece.

5. The Cross-Body Bag

 

H&M (left) and Vintage Purse - my mom's from the 80s (right)

Last but not least, there is the cross-body bag. This small, versatile bag will be your best friend, since it's easy to wear and hard to accidentally leave behind. The cross-body is also a great alternative to the clutch if you are going out at night with friends, because you can sling it across your body and then forget about it. A simple brown leather option like the one above is perfect for transitioning from day to evening. To add a little sparkle to your outfit, try a sequined or bejeweled number. Wear With: Pair either style with a LBD in the evening or shorts in the summer. Recommended: Try this affordable brown imitation-leather purse from H&M (find it here) or this furry version from Aldo (find it here).

Hope this helps you build your dream wardrobe! Remember - with purses you don't have to find the right size or worry about fit, so play around and have fun with fur, leather, sequins, patterns and bright colours :)

Talk soon,

Vi

CHECK THEM OUT!

Looking for your daily dose of fashion? Check out these amazing bloggers!

The Sartorialist

Scott Schuman is the holy grail of fashion bloggers. He started hitting the pavement in 2005 to photograph New York street style. His website has grown into a massive daily blog where Schuman uploads photos of street style and runway style all over the world. His work has been featured in Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia and Interview; he also has a column in GQ. The Sartorialist is unique in his special attention to male fashion and his international scope. Definitely worth checking out!

Blog: thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Garance Dore

Garance Dore is Schuman's other half and a fashion blogger in her own right. The Parisian fashionista personalizes her entries with amazing hand-drawn illustrations and witty stream-of-consciousness rants. Her writing is personable and her pictures are great - better yet you can read them in French or English. Check her out, ca va etre le coup de foudre!

Blog: www.garancedore.fr/en/ (English version) and www.garancedore.fr (French version)

KandeeJ

Technically speaking Kandee Johnson is a makeup guru, but her fashion posts are equally great. Johnson is a top makeup artist in LA and her posts take you behind the scenes at commercial shoots, TV shows and more (last month she went to the Emmys!). To get a closer look at her personal style, check out her more-than-a-mommy-blog from the link below. Kandee also does a great series of costume looks complete with clothing and makeup. Be sure to keep an eye on her blog for amazing insider giveaways and discounts as well.

Makeup/Fashion Blog: www.kandeej.com

Personal Blog: kandeelandkandeeland.blogspot.com

Dulce Candy

 At 23 it's hard to imagine that Dulce Tejeda - known on youtube as Dulce Candy - has already been featured on the cover of Stylist Handbook and Regard Magazine, had over 100 million views on youtube, served as an army mechanic in Iraq, started her own fashion line and popped out an adorable baby, but it's all true! This blogger is a force to be reckoned with. Her tendency for sky-high heels and over-the-top outfits keeps her posts interesting and her videos (also posted on her blog) are so adorable that it hurts. I would definitely suggest checking out her blog :)

Blog: www.dulcecandy.com

Talk soon,

Vi

SNAPSHOT INSPIRATION

I just re-watched Bridesmaids for the first time since it hit theatres and I have to say it's still hilarious. Kudos to Kristen Wiig for co-writing and starring in the kind of movie that proves that chick flicks can be as funny, raunchy, sexy and vaguely gross as bromances like The Hangover. Melissa McCarthy also deserves a shout-out for her unflinching performance as Megan, the tell-it-like-it-is bestie that every girl needs.

In terms of fashion, I love what Wiig wore to the 2011 Glamour Awards. Generally speaking, mustard is not an easy colour to pull off. Nevertheless, Wigg's choice of lipstick and her copper accents really pull this whole look together. The colour is great against her fair skin and the draping is figure-flattering. I could do without the bronze shoes, but all in all this is outfit is pretty stunning. The prefect choice for the Emmy-nominated, SNL vet!

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

Jacket: Forever 21 (find it here)

Jeans: Forever 21 (find a similar one here)

Sweater: Zara (find a similar one here)

Scarf: Club Monaco (find a similar one here)

Glasses: Fendi F855 Eyeglasses (find them here)

Hi everyone. It was a cold and rainy fall day yesterday so I had to take some inside pictures. To bundle up for the weather I paired my favourite pair of classic dark-wash skinny jeans with a taupe v-neck sweater from Zara. I added a long, gauzy patterned scarf to add some volume and interest to the outfit and finished it off with this amazing faux-leather bomber jacket that I bought at Forever 21. 

Thursday and Friday I went on a little staycation to Toronto to visit a good friend of mine and have lunch with my sister. Since the city has much better shopping than where I live, we went on a little excursion and picked out some great pieces. This jacket was such a good find, I would definitely recommend it. Perfect for chilly fall weather.

Talk soon,

Vi

BUILDING A WARDROBE: BOOTS

When I see the leaves changing I always get excited because one of my favourite parts of fall weather is boots. Boots are the triple-threat of footwear: they are stylish, comfortable and weather-appropriate. Boots are also very versatile and they can be used to dress an outfit up or down. The right boot can add colour and texture to your outfit while slimming your frame. Here are three staple styles of must-have boots.

1. The Riding Boot

Steve Madden

Ecco

Riding boots are by-far my favourite kind of footwear. Choose a pair that comes 1"-2" below your knee to maximize their slenderizing effect. Avoid pairs that hit you mid-calf, since they can create the illusion of a shorter leg. Also pay attention to the shape and size of the heel. You want a short, thick heel to preserve the 'outdoorsy' feel of the boot. They should be a fashionable take on horseback riding boots, so avoid overly-shiny finishes and pointy heels. If you find that the sole/heel is worn, then pop by your local cobbler and have them fixed up. Leather ages well, so don't be afraid to make an investment - they can last you years!  Wear With: Riding boots are the most versatile type of boot so go ahead and experiment! Try pairing them with jeans, leggings or a flirty dress and tights. Recommended: Above brown riding boots from Steve Madden (find a similar pair here) or black Kolding boots from Ecco (find them here).

-2. The Cowboy Boot

Vintage (My mom's from the 80s)

Detail

Cowboy boots are a great way to add personality to an outfit. Try a bright colour for a fun twist or stick to monochromatic leather patterns for a more tradition look. Pick a pair with high quality leather so that they age well and look for details like tassels, buttons, decals and patterns when choosing the perfect pair. Wear With: Try pairing them with jeans, a patterned top and a bomber jacket. Avoid jean cutoffs, they tend to be tacky. Recommended: For a real pair of cowboy boots, search out a custom cobbler in your area. There are stores that specialize in making amazing and unique pairs. If that's a little beyond your budget, try this Aldo pair (find them here).

3.  The Ankle Boot

Ecco

                                          

Ecco

Last but not least, we have ankle boots. Watch out with this style, because proportion is very important!  Usually, ankle boots are cut either around 2"-3" above your ankle (bottom) or at a slight downward angle starting at the ankle (above). The latter style tends to be more formal, so pick a more polished finish. For the former, try a worn brown leather or suede (watch out for rain on suede though!) for a more relaxed look. Avoid witchy details like overly-intricate lacings, patent finished and super-pointed heels. Wear With: Be careful with proportions - try skinny jeans or leggings with chunky wool socks. Avoid bare legs, especially with shorter black pairs. Recommended: Junction by Ecco (above - find them here) or Leros by Ecco (find them here). They make very durable, high quality boots.

Wishing you fall boot weather!

Talk soon,

Vi

OUTFIT OF THE DAY

 Leggings: H&M (find them here)

Tank: Pure Body Cami, Gap (find it here)

Sweater: Joe Fresh (find a similar one here)

Boots: Kolding, Ecco (find it here)

Watch: Couturier, Tissot (find it here)

Bangle: ?? - it was a gift (find a similar one here)

Necklace: A vintage belt via my mom's closet (find a similar one here)

Belt: A vintage belt via my mom's closet (find a similar one here)

Hi everyone, this is what I wore today while I studied for the LSATs (booring!). I love wearing tights and a sweater to class or to the library because it is comfortable and cute. Dress up your outfit with unique accessories and belt it at the waist to give it some shape.

When wearing leggings make sure that the hem of your top comes below the crotch of your pants. Remember - leggings are not constructed as sturdily as other pants, so they can be very revealing if your top is too short.

If you worry that wearing long sweaters shortens your legs, then try wearing boots that are the same colour as your leggings. The monochromatic effect will elongate the line of your leg and make you look taller and slimmer :)

Talk soon!

Vi

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hi everyone, today is Canadian Thanksgiving! The thing that I am most thankful for is the amazing support and love that my family has received over the past four weeks. My father is currently battling cancer and our family and friends have showered us in home-cooked meals, cards, fruit baskets, flowers, phone calls and more. 

One especially wonderful surprise came from the students at the high school where my dad teaches. The whole school has gotten together to fold 1000 paper cranes to bring him luck and health! The first 500 were dropped off a couple of days ago. How amazing is that!? They are sitting in our family room to remind to stay positive.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Vi