Festive Fashion: Black and Red Holiday Looks

screen-shot-2015-12-08-at-10-14-54-pm In my post last week, I mentioned that I was featured in Ottawa Family Living magazine. As you know, print is always limited to space, unlike a blog, so my fashion outfits didn’t quite make the cut. I guess they wanted to keep the smart answers over the pretty pictures. That’s a win for any blonde girl! haha.

Just as I said in my article, my go-to this season, is Leather! Here are three easy looks that offer comfort, style and versatility!

Each look offers a different way to play up on leather:

  1. Leggings  (similar in size L/XL)
  2. Moto Jacket (similar in size L/XL)
  3. Skirt (similar in size L/XL)
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Pleather leggings, oversized red sweater (H&M), black ankle booties (Nine West), black tassel purse (Aritzia). Easy, comfortable and very accessible.
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Red dress (H&M), black leather moto jacket (Danier), black bag (Danier) and closed pumps (Calvin Klein). You can add black tights to this look to warm it up a bit. This is good for any casual Holiday party or night out.
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Pretty in plaid! I love mixing odd combinations together! Plaid shirt (Old Navy), Skirt (Bailey 44), blue suede pumps (Nine West), clutch (Rudsak)

These are, once again, brought to you by the ever-talented Kristy Chapman Photography.

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Fashion talk: Stylish vs Trendy

Fran Lebowitz Quote Elle

“People care more about trends now than they do about style. They get so wrapped up in what’s happening that they forget how to dress, and they never learn who they are because they never learn how to take care of anything. So much of what my generation was taught regarding clothes was how to make them last. How to wash and care for them.” Fran Lebowitz

I saw this quote in Elle, it’s from an interview with Fran Lebowitz called:‘Yoga Pants are Ruining Women’ and Other Style Advice From Fran Lebowitz.

Fran Lebowitz is an American author and public speaker, known for her “sardonic social commentary on American life as filtered through her New York City sensibilities.” Basically, she is a hilarious New Yorker and knows how to make fun of people!

This interview truly inspired me to hash out a few self doubting issues I have been facing with my own personal style lately. It’s like, the closer I get to the representing the fashion industry, the more I question my own style. Is this trendy? Am I trendy? Will my followers relate? What do my readers like to see? What is my style? Do I have style? What is style?

Just be yourself Aladin Disney meme

Time and time again, the fashion icons of the world like Diane Von Furstenberg and Jenna Lyons, confirm the statement “be stylish, not trendy”. And most important of all “be yourself”.

In my article “The Woes of a Fashion Chameleon” I confess about wanting to wear it all and learning to juggle different looks. I can’t help it, I hate being predictable and I love so many different styles: simplistic lines, feminine and flirty, preppy and sometimes edgy. I think true talent is getting inspired by all your favourite looks and making it work as your own style. Maybe that’s what finding your style is all about. Style, what I am learning, is an individual thing, and trends are for the masses. Don’t get me wrong, I love updating my wardrobe with a few new trendy pieces every season. I think my problem is that I can get out of hand though, as-in, I can never seem to complete my “wish list” of clothing items for my closet.

Trend is fashion today, while style is timeless.

Presently, the cycle of fashion is growing at an exponential rate. New clothes are coming out so quickly, that the life expectancy of a trend is so short. Not just that, our society is craving for new content everyday that we don’t take the time to relish what is new. Fashion A.D.D. We want more, and we want it now.

I think this is why it’s even more important to stay true to who you are and not to get distracted by all the shiny objects. Stick with classic pieces and invest in accessories that are timeless (like Chanel maybe? haha). There is a reason why these top fashion houses have managed to stay relevent. They have earned their place in fashion history and have contributed to what we call style today.

In the article, Fran also talks about how beautiful people can pull off any look, but those looks are not for everyone. I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I always focus on wearing clothes that suits your body. And when your clothes fit you, you feel good, you look good and exude confidence!

I love how the article ends… “Not all of us are beautiful. But we can appear fine looking. So we should. Feeling good about an outfit is the point at which that outfit finally becomes good.”

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Ottawa’s Newest & Not-So Common Concept Shop

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Last Thursday, I was invited to the media preview of The Common, Ottawa’s newest urban fashion stop at 380 Elgin Street. This modern take on city strip mall, finds a new way to gather multiple local shops into one common space: The Common, Le Petit SalonMorning Owl Coffeehouse and soon-to-be  eclectic eatery.

Ottawa The Common Concept shop 380 Elgin
Nader Salib, owner of The Common Concept Shop, finally materialized his dream of owning a retail space in Ottawa.

I had the opportunity to speak with Nader and congratulate him on taking the risk and opening a clothing boutique, a dream we share in common (no pun intended there!). The Ottawa market is tricky, when it comes to high-end boutiques and private labels. Everyone wants them, but are they ready to support them? It’s lovely to browse, but at the end of the day, these shops need sales to survive!

I think Nader is on to something with this collaboration. I admire his out-of-box approach to turn a dream into his new reality. Partnering with other solid businesses, like my favourite coffee shop Morning Owl, should help to minimize the risk and amplify the impact! It offers a unique twist on convenience and cross-promotion of services. Come for a new outfit, and grab a coffee while you do it. It’s a new type of space that welcomes loitering and ultimately your business!

The collection at The Common is a mix of upscale street and urban fashion; a smart selection of threads and kicks for men and women. The space is simplistic and oh-so perfect!

This lovely gentleman prepared me the best cup of coffee I have ever had! It was prepared in an AeroPress, similar to a french press, but it uses pressure and a filter. This offers a full flavoured cup of joe with a smooth and rich texture. So. good. Here is a glimpse inside Le Petit Salon.

And now… pour la piece de resistance!

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We had a sneak peak at the graffiti space, which is a work-in-progress and soon-to-be eatery. Rumour has it that this restaurant will be offering a combination of Caribbean and Mediterranean fare. That sounds perfect to me, and I can’t wait to try it!

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Simons Gatineau Haul: All dressed up and nowhere to go

Head to toe Simons, well almost! I love this outfit! It’s fun and flirty and perfect for the Holidays. It’s not a traditional holiday or winter colour scheme for that matter, but I don’t tend to stick with rules. This is a navy marino wool t-sweater paired with a pale pink tutu. I snatched up both pieces from Simons. I completed the look with a bright bib necklace and vintage Louis Vuitton Mary-Janes, and voila!

I don’t feel like doing a lot of talking, so let these gorgeous pictures speak for themselves! These are, once again, brought to you by the ever-talented Kristy Chapman Photography.

I have been hoarding these photos for a while, and I am so happy to share them with you, finally! This shoot was also meant to display my gorgeous kitchen… a.k.a. my bedroom. I love it! I live there 24/7! Thanks to my lovely husband who did all the work, almost 1 year ago!

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