What to wear: Holiday Family Photos

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I wanted to take a moment to wish you all, my dear gorgeous readers, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I am so in love with these photos we did for Christmas, with Kristy Chapman. You would have already seen my holiday outfit post on “Festive Fashion“, but in these post I am sharing the family pics. But as you can see, the main focus in these pictures is my brand new kitchen, although renovated by my husband almost one year ago.

I know that figuring out the “family outfit” can be somewhat of a challenge. It’s a fine balance between not too matchy matchy, and well coordinated to get a cohesive look. This year’s theme was “Plaid”… and funny hats! Last year we went with “Canadian Tuxedo”. Awe, Victor is so much  younger in that pic (sorry, mommy moment).

Here are some great tips on organizing a family photo shoot.

 

 

 

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Confessions of an Ottawa blogger

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I don’t know about you, but I love a good secret. So today, I am sharing a fun post, featuring my fellow Ottawa bloggers! I asked them to share a little secret and make a confession! Let’s see what they had to say…

“Every time I travel, I treat myself to a designer splurge purchase that I usually budget for. I bought a limited edition Hermès scarf at Harrod’s after having too much champagne at lunch that was a total impulse buy. I’m too ashamed to say how much it cost. I was overcome with guilt, especially after my husband gave me the stink eye for the rest of the afternoon that I returned it about an hour later. The salesperson who helped me looked at me like I was a piece of garbage. LOL! Lesson learned: do not shop while under the influence.” Dominique www.styledomination.com

“I always say I’m going to make my pay checks last and that I won’t spend any extra money on clothing or accessories unless I need it! Or that I’ll re-wear what I already have. But every time I get paid I seem to forget my promise to myself and I wind up buying pieces that leave me eating Cheerios for almost every meal! Oops ?” – Alexa www.thepolishedpretties.com

“I don’t tell my fiancé what I spend on clothing, makeup, etc. And when he does ask I either tell him “it was on sale” or “it was only $20!” Boys just don’t understand these things! Lol” – Jenn www.loafersandpolish.com

“I buy a white t shirt almost every time I shop.” -Jane www.dalybeauty.ca

“I plan my vacation outfits in advance but am often up super late packing at the last minute. One time, I pulled an all nighter before my morning flight just picking out damn clothes!” -Amanda www.acoest1984.com

“Everytime I go out shopping I need to remind myself over and over again “no, I don’t need another LBD or other black clothing item” otherwise I’m sure my entire wardrobe would be black clothes with colorful accessories and shoes.” – Stephanie www.stephaniewhite.style

“I love fashion but I’m addicted to yoga pants. I probably have 30 pairs, maybe more. I’ve got long ones, short ones, 80s stirrups, black, turquoise, mesh, neon pink, graffiti, the Williamsburg Bridge, mountains… I even have a pair with the solar system. I love to wear them to work out or to think about working out (#NetflixAndChill).” -Amy www.amyin613.com

“I have one too many items in my closet with tags still on them that I’ve never worn. Some have been in there so long, I can’t even picture myself ever wearing them now. I should probably be trying to sell them :S” -Coralie www.coraliescloset.com

“I am addicted to sunglasses. Every time I go shopping I am looking at the sunglass section and usually walking out with a pair…or three! I have a drawer dedicated to all my sunglasses…..I think I need an intervention!” -Kay www.countrymeetcity.wordpress.com

Ok, so I guess now you are waiting for mine… I have a few!

I am a true shopaholic. I have taken over 2.5 closets in my house and have 2 chest of drawers literally bursting at the seams. I am never satisfied with the amount of clothes, bags and shoes I own and I simply want more of everything! I am an emotional shopper. Lately, I have been on a rampage, and it needs to stop. I will definitely consider this for my 2016 New Years Resolution (coming soon!). But most of all, I am tired. I am tired of looking for room to stash all my stuff!

Also, this quote is 100% accurate depiction of my life.

MY GREATEST FEAR IS THAT WHEN I DIE MY HUSBAND WILL SELL MY STUFF FOR WHAT I TOLD HIM THEY COST

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Cost-per-wear: How good is your Fashion Math

Today’s lesson in math will show you how to justify expensive items to help you build your dream capsule wardrobe. Remember the essence of this exercise is to invest in classic, high quality items that will/should last you a long time. Again, we want to lean towards becoming stylish not trendy!

The Fashion Math
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This is quite basic math. To help you find your Cost-Per-Wear, take the total price of your favourite item, and divide it by the number of times you will wear it. The ultimate goal here is to lower the CPW. The more times you wear your item, the higher the price can be! Take a really expensive  pair of jeans, for example. Jeans are worn so many times throughout the year, that you can easily rationalize spending between $200-$300 on a good quality, well fitted pair of denim jeans. If you end up wearing these jeans every day for a year, they will have paid for themselves! What a deal.

Sometimes we buy into the trends of fast fashion and get lured into purchasing lots of pieces that we don’t end up wearing, or we spend a ton of money on one not-so-key item. When you use the CPW as a common indicator, you can quickly see how you probably should not have purchased that $1000 ball gown, you will never wear again! (CPW= $1000… Consider Rent Frock Repeat, you crazy girl! What’s wrong with you?)

A few things to keep in mind when you are calculating CPW:

  • Durability- don’t sacrifice on the price! Invest in leather shoes and bags, they get the most wear and tear. I cringe when I see fake leather or plastic purses deteriorating.
  • Quality vs Quantity- buy nice things, just less of them.
  • Functionality- Do not compromise when it comes to functionality. Invest in warm, weatherproof boots and coats. Splurge on well-made and supportive heels that you will wear all the time.

Lastly, I want to close with the value of thrift shopping. This is an excellent way to splurge on things you don’t want to pay full price for. Maybe it’s a season too late, but who really cares! Paying less also means you can buy stuff that is outside your ideal “capsule wardrobe” collection. This is also when you can have a little fun and go outside your comfort zone.

Here are a few items that yield a low CPW… depending on your daily habits! What do you think of these price points? Sorry for all the black… it’s seems to be my go-to this season.

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Paige skinny jeans • Paige • $507.02
Lord & Taylor Wrist Length Knit Cuff Leather Gloves • $40
Hudson’S Bay Company 100% Cashmere Scarf • HBC • $120
Merrell Women’s Decora Sonata Waterproof Winter Boot Brown 8.5 M US • Merrell • $169.99
La Canadienne Womens Mazy Knee-High Boot,Black,10 M US • La Canadienne • $274.63
Caley-F5 Large Black Mesenger Bag • Mackage • $595
Kay-F5 Long Black Winter Down Coat With Fur Hood • Mackage • $795
Pierre Hardy Black Suede Ultime Pumps • Pierre Hardy • $455
Ann Marino by Bettye Muller Fleetwood Booties • Bettye Muller • $130.30

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Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle

Well, I did it again! Today, I presented 4 Holiday looks from Addition Elle. We did a double header on CTV Morning Live as well as Daytime Ottawa on Rogers Channel 22.

I did my first segment on TV a month ago on Fall Fashion Trends for 2015 with Addition Elle. It’s always so much fun, but it goes by so fast. So much prep work, but it’s all worth it!

Now back to what is really important… the clothes! I know… there is a lot of black. But what I can I say, I love black! It’s so flattering, timeless and versatile. I tried to add a lot of metallic notes to lift the outfits. From the metallic dress, to rhinestones, sequin and jewelry, it all adds to the sparkle and glam that is Holiday dressing. As you can see, I also love layering with a cardigan or jacket. It adds a layer of warmth and helps to hide the problem areas, like your arms or your backside. If dresses aren’t your thing, you can opt to wear long and loose trouser. The flowy material gives off the illusion of a long dress and lifts the entire look.

Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Nadia Aboulhosn Trench Dress $140 Woven Cuff Bracelet $25 Nude BCBG pumps (n/a)
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Michel Studio Wide Leg Pant $79 Michel Studio Chiffon Back Cardigan $80 L&L Sleeveless Lace Beaded Top $60 BCBG Heeled Bootie $150
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Michel Studio Mesh & Metallic Sleeveless Dress $130 L&L Cropped PDR Jacket $98 Fergalicious Rhinestone High Heel Shoe $95
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
New Noir Long Sleeve Dress $95 BCBG Wedge Pump Shoe $140 Stone and Tassel Zipper Necklace $13.99

If you missed it, you can watch the CTV segment here.

CTV Morning Live Mode Elusive Plus Size Fashion Holiday Dresses for Curvy Women Addition Elle

You can also check out the Rogers Daytime segment here. Note that you must be a Rogers customer to view.img_0180

A million thank-yous to my gorgeous models who are always so professional and reliable! You always do a fantastic job XOX

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