Either/Or: A shop that makes you think twice about your purchase

Last weekend, I went over to my friend Malorie’s place to play with some clothes and do a photo shoot in her bedroom. Sounds weird, right? The folks outside must have thought the same thing! I mean the lights, the backdrop… a bit much for suburbia town! But, I bet if you looked into every home, you would find a rock star running her own business out of her guest room… I mean, aren’t we all? I know I am!

Either/Or is Malorie’s new online store, where she sells only Canadian and sustainable fashion designs. As you all know, I am attending the Metamorphosis Eco-Fashion show and wanted to wear something that was on brand with the theme of the show. I approached her and asked if she would dress me for the occasion. Instead, she invited me to play dress up and reassured me that I shouldn’t buy anything, unless I loved it!

Malorie is so completely devoted to sustainable design, that she has carefully planned her business model around running a successful and lucrative business while being mindful of the planet and supporting Canadian designers. That is dedication, and I admire her efforts to support slow fashion. I think we can all use a little more thought when making purchases, and I am 100% guilty of not following her advice! I have no self control, and it’s starting to become a problem!

Less is more… I can’t forget this!

She has carefully curated her first collection, and still learning about how different brands are cut, how they size and fit differently on each woman. We learnt a few things that day, ourselves . For examples, in some brands and materials, I can wear a size small, but in others, size L is a bit snug. Malorie was also appreciative of my feedback and was happy with the way I styled some of the looks. Overall, I was very impressed with the cut and quality of the clothing. It is important to remember that these are premium items, and are considered an investment. The prices are higher than what we are used to because when you factor in  things like proper wages and sustainable fabrics, it absolutely comes with a higher price tag, but with much less guilt.

Without further ado, I share with you some of my faves!

Jennifer Torosian Zip coat

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-wool-jacket

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-wool-coat

Top Zara | Jeans Gap | Heels L’Intervalle

Sunja Link Palm leaf dress

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-palm-leaf-dress

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-palm-dress

Heels Zara

Duffield Design Maxi infinity dress (as skirt)

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-grey-jacket

The bolero is actually a top that I wore backwards! It’s not on the site yet, but I am sure it will be soon!

Devlyn Van Loon Sweaterdress

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-black-sweater-dress

either-or-ottawa-fashion-blog-eco-fashion-curvy-style-blogger-sweater-dress-oversized

Booties L’Intervalle

So what do you guys think? What did I end up getting for the show? Either leave your comments below or you’ll have to wait and see!

 

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#NSale: Pics from the dressing room of the Nordstrom Ottawa Anniversary Sale

From now til August 8, the infamous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (#NSale) should be on your Ottawa to-do list! But of course, that’s only if you’re looking for NEW, never seen before, fall items at discount price.

I was invited for a peruse on Saturday, and decided to share some behind-the-scene pics on my Facebook page, because the quality didn’t seem good enough for my blog. Apparently, you all could care less about the quality…. you just wanted to see more pics of me in the changeroom!!! I felt like a digital barbie model (and I kind of like it! hahaha).

Here are some pics of my makeover in the beauty department and some terrible selfie pics of me modelling different outfits in my badly lit change room!

Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Dry Bar
Dry Bar at Nordstrom is an exclusive Blow Dry Bar product line. These products are made to make your blow out last longer while making your hair feel and look so fresh & so clean!
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Freckle station MAC
OMG! The highlight of my day… FRECKLES!! This is the MAC freckle station.
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Makeover
Voila! Me with my La Mer facial, Chanel makeup, Dry Bar blow out and MAC freckles! I mean…. this picture exudes summer!!!
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Off the shoulder chambray
Outfit 1- Over the shoulder denim top
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Outfit 1
Outfit 2- Short dress with beige Lucky brand booties (I bought these booties!)
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Outfit Business Casual
Outfit 3- Striped skirt, white top and army green moto jacket. With these pointy Cole hand snake skin flats, I can be a bit edgy at work!
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Outfit Casual Friday
Outfit 4- This outfit screams SUNDAY DINNER WITH THE FAM! These Rag & Bone Boyfriend jeans are da bomb!
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Outfit Dolce Vita over the knee boots
Outfit 5- This t-shirt dress with cold shoulders and bell sleeves gave me life! But my heart was set on these over-the-knee Dolce Vita boots. I am going back for these puppies and I don’t care who knows it!
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Outfit Work dress
Outfit 6- Burgundy shift dress with pointed toe Cole Hand snake skin flats. Another edgy work outfit.
Nordstrom #NSale Ottawa Fashion Blog Shopping- Suede Moto jacket Adidas top
Outfit 7- COOL MOM ALERT! This was my favourite look! The suede moto jacket is all the rage, and I totally get why. But it was the last one, and size Large was a bit too snug. I bought this Adidas shirt to add a little “athleisure” in my life.
 

Things I would have bought if I had more money 

Or you can call this my birthday wish list! 

rebecca minkoff vanity saddle bag in black suede

Why are you still reading this post? You think these clothes are going to be here forever? Go! Now! Go!
If I can’t convince you, then maybe this will…

Six things you’ll regret not know about Nordstrom

  1. They have AMAZING top of the line customer service, like true old-school department store quality!
  2. They have a solid return policy, so you can shop with confidence.
  3. They have a wicked points program.
  4. Don’t restrict yourself to their online shop, there is so much more in store!
  5. Their shoe, handbag and accessories departments are not to be messed with. Lots of great selection and variety of brands and price points.
  6. Their PLUS SIZE selection is off the hook ??
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Shoe talk: Build your wide shoe collection this Spring

I know. If the shoe fits, buy them in all the colours, right? I hear you loud and clear and I am guilty as charged!

I suffer from a little shoe obsession, and having wide feet does not stop me from buying shoes. What’s my secret to shopping for wide shoes and taking good care of my shoes?

  • Invest in leather shoes, they are more stretchy, durable, comfortable and breathable
  • Avoid thin straps that go across  the foot or mule type shoes that cover the foot and are not stretchy enough
  • Only wear comfortable shoes, don’t sacrifice your feet for cheap shoes. It’s not worth the pain or residual health problems they can cause
  • Take care of your shoes! Use leather and shoe protectors, wear the right seasonal footwear, brush your suede and clean the inside (yes, the goop) and outside (rinse off salt stains right away).
  • Stick to the brand that is right for you. Personally, I love Michael Kors shoes, Nine West and Louise et Cie. They are made for my feet and sell at a fair price point.
  • Buy the right size and fit, and buy multiples or different colours if you have too
  • Find a cobbler. I go to Moneysworth and Best at Billings Bridge (Ottawa). They do fantastic work!
  • Pimp your shoes with leather insoles and gel padding when needed

Although buying your shoes in one size up is not always the solution, I am happy to report that there are brands like Jessica Simpson and  Louise et Cie who pay close to attention to this very common issue “the wide shoe and wide calf boot“. We already know that heels are bad for our spine and feet, why must we feel the need to squeeze our feet in them too!

Worry not. I found a few wide style shoes, mules, booties, espadrilles, flats and heels to slowly help you build your shoe collection this Spring.

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DSW- Designer Shoe Warehouse coming to Ottawa in 2016!

Photo taken from DSW Facebook event page- Etobicoke Grand Opening Celebration on October 5th 2016.
Photo taken from DSW’s Facebook Event page- Etobicoke Grand Opening Celebration on October 5th 2016.

Slow clap… Canada is getting DSW. Correction, Ottawa is getting a Designer Shoe Warehouse! And, I can’t believe it. The store is set to open in the Spring of 2016at the Train Yards mall.

About DSW

Town Shoes Limited opened the first 2 Canadian DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse locations in 2014. DSW is the destination for
shoe shoppers looking for fabulous brands at a great value every single day. With thousands of shoes for women and men, DSW is
all about the thrill of finding the perfect shoe at the perfect price. A huge assortment of handbags and accessories adds to the
breathtaking assortment DSW is known for.

DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. Designer Shoes. Warehouse Prices.

I discovered DSW on my first trip to New York City almost 6 years ago. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I bought 3 pairs of boots (one of which I am still wearing til this day) and my Michael Kors pumps seen in this picture. A lot of damage has been made!

Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive

Modern Vintage Tall balck leather boots DSW
Here I am lost in Central Park… but wearing my boots (photo from 2008).

I am looking forward to monitoring the progress of the opening and will be sure to report any news to you!

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