SO FUZZY AND SUEDE

I am sharing with you my outfit-of-the-day. Since the weather is changing, I have decided to compensate for the freezing temperatures outside with a still somewhat business-oriented approach to fashion. However, I refuse to sacrifice my external, and internal, warmth for the sake of fashion...hence, I reach for warm and cozy apparel.
I find it quite a challenge to remain professional-looking during cold, harsh winters.
This particular outfit-of-the-day consists of a warm, fuzzy sweater/cardigan which I bought at Forever21 for a 30% discount. I am pleased how much warmth this garment provides.
I find the combination of suede and faux-suede, along with cozy-materials, to be a lovely combination. My shoes are real suede by Cyrillus (old) and a faux-suede skirt by H&M. I sprayed a hint of Coco Chanel Mademoiselle on the decollete.

I find that cozy materials go well with suede.

This outfit feels comfortable yet semi-professional

I am ready for a meeting and feel that my outfit is semi-professional. I refuse to feel winter's chill, and will be wearing a coat in addition to this outfit.  

A lady should never sacrifice being cold for fashion!

Fuzzy and suede

My scent-of-the-day is Coco Chanel Mademoiselle

THE OH-SO-PURPLE-SCARF!

 I purchased this purple scarf a couple of years back and had sort of forgotten about it, for all the good reasons; our fall here in Canada has been so warm and sunny that there was no need to grab this one. Why am I so excited to make a post about this scarf? Well, after today's lightless and dreary weather, I decided it was time for my purple scarf to shine once again. It radiates a beautiful pop of color on a oh-so-gloomy-day. My mood can shift towards the south on such days, and this is why I love using colorful scarfs to fight the gloomy-bite.

Purple makes me happy. 

Purple gives me resolve to stay in good spirits in such gloomy weather. 

Scarfs come in a variety of bright and cheery colours. 

I paired a purple-blouse with my purple-scarf to tone down the fairly dramatic colour of the scarf. Since the weather is a bit chilly, I added a warm under shirt which gives contrast to the outfit's bright colors.  

I have to admit, this scarf was a tad bit of an impulse buy. However, I believe, many impulse-purchases have its reasoning. Such instances, if analyzed thoroughly, can actually be quite an introspective experience. I tried to remember why I had made such a non-classical purchase at the time. I am usually drawn to classical accessories that match with most everything in my wardrobe. In my case, this impulse-buy subconsciously refreshed me that I'm drawn to colour (especially on somber days), and gives me energy to get through the short, overcast November-days.

An alternative use for my colourful scarf

OH-SO-PURPLE

I simply place the vase into one side of the scarf.

Next I roll up the scarf and vase together. I bobby pinned the end for a secure hold. 

A nice, colourful and cozy decor addition to an empty space. 

Wishing everyone a nice November! :)

LADY DIOR MANNEQUIN

When analysis leads to paralysis

In order to feel put together and balanced, especially early mornings, I like to dress my part. In general, my outfits tend to be creative and visually appealing. With life being very busy and a 4 year old running around the house, things can get very hectic as I am sure many of you can relate. 

Several years ago, I went through a phase where I found it incredibly stressful to get dressed in the mornings. I had lost my spark for creativity for a while, which can happen and that's ok. However as time went by, I was noticing my jeans, t-shirts and sneakers had become my best of friends. Almost like the cookie in the kitchen cabinet, knowing it is there and easy to reach for to heal the cravings. I was unable to create outfits, period. 

At that time, creating a new outfit became a time consuming chore. Each and every wardrobe staple I had combined already, and couldn't think of what to create next. Buying more clothes certainly was an option but wanted to keep an overview of the things I had already owned. The scattered thought of what will I wear next paralyzed my creativity. 

Have you ever felt like; "what will I wear tomorrow?", because you are unable to come up with new outfit combinations.

Then, I had a clever idea about getting one of these figures that can be dressed up. I am lucky enough to have a Pier One Imports near my home, so I went to buy her. I named her Lady Dior. Since Lady Dior started living in my closet, I started to create outfits more quickly and efficiently than ever before. 

How my Lady Dior Mannequin has helped me become more efficient with my outfit creations. 

• ability to create outfits quickly and efficiently
• wonderful for visually creating layered outfits with ease
• reduces unhappiness and stress by being able to disassociate from the body and see the clothes on another frame than your own  
• sparks creativity and imagination
• displays jewelry and clothing beautifully
• dressing her the night before with the next day outfit helps with time management

I found this beauty at Pier One Imports. I named her Lady Dior.

Perfect for displaying jewelry

Her home is my closet...

A Mannequin is a convenient helper for creating quick and visual outfits in the morning. 

This method of getting dressed is less stressful as I do not have to focus on my body but rather the mannequins frame. (Really helpful on the days when women don't feel so good about their bodies.)

She helps me stay organized and hassle free before leaving the house in the morning. 

THE MIDWEEK BLUES

FIGHTING THE MIDWEEK BLUES? 

Whenever midweek comes around my urge to fight the forces of stress is at its best. Hence my preference to stay and live in present-moment works most of the time, however there are the bluemoon-moments of inabilities that can rob me of "the moment", for whatever reason they may be, I immediately jump from vine-to-vine, like Tarzan, to my plan-B. Plan-B sits right on my desk as an emergency measure.

How I fight the midweek blues: Plan B

 #1: Keeping a picture of "my favourite place" on my work-desk serves two purposes; as a form of  inspiration, and a visual relaxation technique.

#2: Reminding myself that there is "my favourite place" serves a greater purpose. That place is there waiting for me whenever I need to call upon it. Next, I write a list of things I like to do at "my favourite place". This keeps me motivated to get through the day, so when the time comes to embed into my favourite place, it will be so great!

My list of things I like to do in "my favourite place":

• read a book or a magazine
• wear a nice outfit
• drink a cup of coffee
• catch up with my favourite YouTube-videos etc.
• Paint my nails

I hope you enjoyed my ideas of how to fight the midweek blues.

Wishing I could be in my favourite place right now. 

Reading a book or magazine, or catching up with my favourite YouTube videos.

Wearing a comfortable and nice outfit.

Doing my nails and catching up on social media.

Admire my bunny rabbit :)

Sipping on my hazelnut coffee latte.

THE INNER-REBEL

        There was a time when my inner-rebel was full at bloom. Let's say this was eons ago, but despite the fact that my trivial teenage-years are long behind me, my inner-rebel is still able to shine brightly every once in a while. Actually, my 4 year old daughter recently got me thinking about the “inner-rebel”. Yes, she said the words....” Why are you bored Mommy?”  That really got me thinking and observing my own child as she noticed my lack of energy and zeal for activities. 

        So after observing her energy for a while it gave me flashbacks of energy I now can only dream about. That zeal, excitement, and playful-defiance young children have. This led to me recently deciding to challenge myself and get back in touch with my inner-rebel, of course, just for fun. I paired a padded fall-jacket with a leather purse...and I am sorry because I wish I could be sporting a Balenciaga bag as this would be a perfect match to this outfit…but till then, I will keep dreaming:) I’m also wearing black boots and some gold and rustic toned chains and jewelry. Scroll down to see more. :) 

I belted a printed silk scarf through the belt loops in order to give a hint of softness to this rather motorcycle styled look.

Basic padded fall jacket by Cyrillus (old).  Black boots by Aerosoles, Pants by H&M, Leather purse by La Redoute (old).

I like rolling back the sleeves of a jacket in order to accentuate my bracelets. I am wearing gold coloured jewelry with black beads.  

Notice how the colour of the purse is similar in color to the jewelry. For certain outfits, it is nice to match up the accessorie's colors. 

The inner-rebel. Where is my Harley??  :) :)

Wine Jewels

During the fall season my favorite colors are browns and burgundies. Most fashion pieces that have graduated into my closet this fall needed to have at least one of these colors in it. Today's post is about an extremely rich color.  Its vibrant and chic-nature are their most fashionable characteristics. I am talking about  the color red-wine which originates from the burgundy family. 

One thing I have learned over the years when shopping for new jewelry pieces, is to make sure that each new piece can be easily matched-up with at least one piece from my current collection. This way I am mindful about my budget and the size of my collection. 

At the time of the purchase of this bracelet, I had remembered that my mother's hand-me-down pair of vintage, jewelry ruby earrings would be a perfect match for the bracelet. 

My style tips: 

1. When mixing varying shades of red, this can help make the outfit become very chic. 

2. Not being afraid to mix fashion jewelry with real jewelry. 

Above, I am wearing my recently purchased bracelet and the hand-me-down ruby earrings. 

The rich, red stones on this bracelet combined with the gold coloring brings out the burgundy color of the sweater (H&M)  beautifully. 

On my nails I am wearing China Glaze in the color Fifth Avenue. I wrapped a orange-red silk scarf around my hair. This is an example of how I love to mix different shades of reds.  

This cardigan is from H&M 2015 fall collection. 

Today I am carrying my fall crossover-purse. This purse I scored at 75%-off original price at a store that closed down this summer.  

Notice how the strap of the purse is slightly darker in color than the cardigan. This is a perfect example of how I love to mix different shades of red.

Loving my gold and burgundy colored accessories this fall :)

A LADIES HALLOWEEN

My tradition for the past couple of years at Halloween night has been: the girls husband's and boyfriend's go Trick-or-Treating with the kids...whilst the ladies have a ball handing out candy, sipping coffee, eating guilt-free sweets, and all while staying cozy and warm inside. If you are looking for a healthy coffee snack-time idea, then here is one that you may almost find too easy to make :) Scroll down for the recipe if  you are interested into tricking your sweet tooth, or shall I say treating it :)) 

Ingredients needed: Milk, cream, 70% dark chocolate (or whatever % you desire), and dried apricots.

Utensils needed: a sauce pan, a plate (or something flat to be able to place a sheet of parchment paper onto); you may also need a fork or a spatula to stir the melting chocolate.  

Step 1. Break up the desired amount of dark chocolate and place   into pan. Add a dab of each milk and cream; just enough to moisten the chocolate.     

Step 2.  Warm up the chocolate until melted. This takes a very 

short time. 
Step 3. Let the melted chocolate cool down just a bit. 

Then dip the dried apricots into the melted goodness.  

  

Step 4. Place the finished apricots into the fridge in order for the   chocolate to cool down and get back into its solid state.
Let cool in fridge for about 1/2 hour before enjoying.     

Here you have a wonderful and healthy tea or coffee table snack idea!