Amber
Friday 23 December 2011
Like Mother Like Daughter
Today was the first day that M wandered into her room and came out with an entire outfit that she picked out, all by herself. Usually it's a shirt here or a shoe there but this time she had a complete ensemble. The next task was trying to get it all on by herself. She no longer wants my help to do most things, especially getting dressed. After a small tantrum and convincing her to let me help she was dressed. The end result was something that made me proud. An outfit that actually made sense and looked good. She decided to strut her stuff for me and I managed to capture a few snap shots. What a little diva!
Xo
Amber
Amber
Thursday 22 December 2011
Repost: Recession Proofing Your Closet This Fall
I realize Fall is but a distant memory as we truck on into winter. However, this post from The Budget Fashionista is a must read if you are trying to stay fashionable on a tight budget.
Enjoy!
Repost: Recession Proofing Your Closet This Fall
Enjoy!
Repost: Recession Proofing Your Closet This Fall
Wednesday 21 December 2011
Sparkle and Shine It's Christmas Time
I would not be the self proclaimed fashionista that I am if, while making my holiday to do list, I forgot to jot down 'Find a great holiday outfit'. Yes, I have been totally consumed with what to buy for my loved ones and especially M. Like many of you I've searched the internet for a great hoilday recipe to 'wow' my friends and family with. And of course I have carefully wrapped each and every present. For me though, I put as much effort into those things as I do choosing my holiday wardrobe. What would the holidays be without a little sparkle or the best shade of red for your attire. As a mom, I also carefully pick out a Christmas outfit for M, as most mothers do. When you walk through any department store it isn't hard to notice that having a great hoilday ensemble starts as early as 3 months of age. Children's perfect plaid prints and just a touch of faux fur call out to mothers and grandmothers alike. So why should us grown ups put our style aside and forget about ourselves? We can have our cake and eat it too. Our children can be dapper and we can be dazzling, all at the same time.
I realize that contemplating spending any amount of money on ourselves can be daunting but I never said you needed to buy a whole new outfit for the holidays. You can be surprised what you might already have in your closet that you can work with. It may only take buying a simple accessory or tank to breath new life into older pieces.
I realize that contemplating spending any amount of money on ourselves can be daunting but I never said you needed to buy a whole new outfit for the holidays. You can be surprised what you might already have in your closet that you can work with. It may only take buying a simple accessory or tank to breath new life into older pieces.
Take the very trendy sequined tank. I know most women have a plain tank in their closets but let's kick it up a notch and add that sparkle I was talking about. Chose the tank in a colour you love, I'm totally into gold this season. Pair it with a dark washed skinny jean or my fave, black skinny dress pants (Dynamite stores). Throw on a black blazer and your best black boot and voila!
Do you have a simple LBD (little black dress) that you love to show off every chance you get? Slip on a shoe with some sparkle and feel more festive instantly!
Heading to a cocktail party? Find the best and biggest ring to wear on your finger. It'll be sure to start some conversation as you hold your martini or wine glass and mingle.
Whatever your style you can always find room in your closet, and wallet, for one special holiday piece that will make you feel beautiful and confident. Yes, you are the mom who will stand in line for that must have toy, spend sleepless nights wrapping gifts with love, and finish off Christmas eve by watching holiday favourites and eating homemade chocolate chip cookies. However, you can also be the mom who spends an extra 5 minutes getting ready so she can look as put together as her toddler. I know I'll try my best but M always outshines me and that's ok too!
Have a safe and happy Christmas season with the ones you love. Find your inner fashionista and turn some heads!
XO
Amber
Saturday 17 December 2011
Inside a woman's closet
Every woman has a closet. Some are small, some are shared and some are bigger than your first apartment.
Every closet has a history. Every closet has a story. There is more to them than what meets the eye.
My closet is one that I take great pride in. I enjoy keeping it organized. I've used methods of organization such as sorting by colour or by category. I tend to go through my closet at least once a month. I look at what I don't wear anymore and either donate, throw out or send it to a friend. I may have a different method of organizing and maintaining my closet than other women but some areas of our closets are very similar.
We all have common items in our closets. They may not be the same style or colour or size but they have a common bond. There is the section in our closets that we keep the jeans we used to fit in before the 'I dos'. There might even be the wedding dress we keep to show our daughters and at times it's a reminder of a different shape we used to be. I know some of you have those amazing outfits that you rocked on a night out with the girls. Those outfits are now something you keep to remind you of how great those times were. Those nights are now replaced with homework help and lullabies. We all have those items hanging in the far back of the closet that are no longer trendy. Yet we keep them because they might just make a comeback and when they do, we might still be young enough to sport them. There are the random shirts, skirts and dresses that have the tags hanging hopelessly from them because you couldn't pass up such a good deal. We all know there's bound to be an occasion when you'll need to wear them, one day. Keepsake college wear and concert T's take up their own spot in our closets and our memories. We could never consider tossing them. After all they represent a first kiss, first drink, or first arrest (just kidding about the last one). I'm sure you can all relate.
I think it's fair to say that if I walked into any closet, of anyone reading this, I could quickly get an idea of who you are and where you've been. Our clothes say a lot about us. When we carefully select each piece of an outfit from our closet, we are deciding what we want the world to think about us. Our closets house a huge part of our lives and command a level of respect.
....but then again that's just me and my love affair with fashion talking.
XO
Amber
Every closet has a history. Every closet has a story. There is more to them than what meets the eye.
My closet is one that I take great pride in. I enjoy keeping it organized. I've used methods of organization such as sorting by colour or by category. I tend to go through my closet at least once a month. I look at what I don't wear anymore and either donate, throw out or send it to a friend. I may have a different method of organizing and maintaining my closet than other women but some areas of our closets are very similar.
We all have common items in our closets. They may not be the same style or colour or size but they have a common bond. There is the section in our closets that we keep the jeans we used to fit in before the 'I dos'. There might even be the wedding dress we keep to show our daughters and at times it's a reminder of a different shape we used to be. I know some of you have those amazing outfits that you rocked on a night out with the girls. Those outfits are now something you keep to remind you of how great those times were. Those nights are now replaced with homework help and lullabies. We all have those items hanging in the far back of the closet that are no longer trendy. Yet we keep them because they might just make a comeback and when they do, we might still be young enough to sport them. There are the random shirts, skirts and dresses that have the tags hanging hopelessly from them because you couldn't pass up such a good deal. We all know there's bound to be an occasion when you'll need to wear them, one day. Keepsake college wear and concert T's take up their own spot in our closets and our memories. We could never consider tossing them. After all they represent a first kiss, first drink, or first arrest (just kidding about the last one). I'm sure you can all relate.
I think it's fair to say that if I walked into any closet, of anyone reading this, I could quickly get an idea of who you are and where you've been. Our clothes say a lot about us. When we carefully select each piece of an outfit from our closet, we are deciding what we want the world to think about us. Our closets house a huge part of our lives and command a level of respect.
....but then again that's just me and my love affair with fashion talking.
XO
Amber
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Dear Children Clothing Designers....
I have a love-hate relationship with you.
Do any of you actually have children yourselves?
Have you ever tried to dress a child in some of the things you create?
Why must you pull me in with your cute prints and must have styles?
I might have been fooled once by your tricks. You cannot fool me twice. I am far too practical of a mother to buy an adorable shirt or perfect pair of jeans without examining it's functionality closely.
You frustrate me!
Sincerely,
This fashion forward and pissed off MOM!
I can imagine I am not the only mother who has bought an article of clothing, brought it home, washed it and then attempted to dress your little wriggle worm in it. You fidget with zippers and try to figure why there is a button on a pair of pants that does absolutely nothing. You then proceed to curse the brand who manufactured it. You don't dare tell your spouse that you've wasted more money on clothing that your child 'had' to have. Not to mention the pricey hair colour you'll need to buy for yourself in order to cover the new grey hairs you've gained from the exhausting ten minute dressing session.
M may only be 2 but I've gained enough experience with dressing her that I can quickly look at a shirt or pants or shoes and tell whether or not it's practical. As a mom, time is of the essence. The more time you spend on a simple task such as getting them dressed in the morning or bundled up to head outdoors, the less time you'll have for other things. Such as the most sacred, 'Me' time.
I recently stumbled upon this issue while shopping for winter boots for M. Within the first 10 seconds of pulling on the pom pom that was attached to the zipper on the boots I knew I was in trouble. The pom pom broke off and the the zipper just wouldn't zip! My patience, as well as M's, was coming to an end. In the end I settled for my second choice. A velcro design that went on and off smoothly and something M could easily learn to put on and fasten up herself. Both options were from the same clothing line, Joe Fresh, and at the same price point. I liked both pairs equally but one would cause me to have chest pains and the other wouldn't. I think the decision was a no brainer.
As much as I love shopping for M and love fashion, I will never sacrifice practicality for anything! Ok that's a lie, a girls gotta have a great pair of 5 inch heels.
XO
Amber
Do any of you actually have children yourselves?
Have you ever tried to dress a child in some of the things you create?
Why must you pull me in with your cute prints and must have styles?
I might have been fooled once by your tricks. You cannot fool me twice. I am far too practical of a mother to buy an adorable shirt or perfect pair of jeans without examining it's functionality closely.
You frustrate me!
Sincerely,
This fashion forward and pissed off MOM!
I can imagine I am not the only mother who has bought an article of clothing, brought it home, washed it and then attempted to dress your little wriggle worm in it. You fidget with zippers and try to figure why there is a button on a pair of pants that does absolutely nothing. You then proceed to curse the brand who manufactured it. You don't dare tell your spouse that you've wasted more money on clothing that your child 'had' to have. Not to mention the pricey hair colour you'll need to buy for yourself in order to cover the new grey hairs you've gained from the exhausting ten minute dressing session.
M may only be 2 but I've gained enough experience with dressing her that I can quickly look at a shirt or pants or shoes and tell whether or not it's practical. As a mom, time is of the essence. The more time you spend on a simple task such as getting them dressed in the morning or bundled up to head outdoors, the less time you'll have for other things. Such as the most sacred, 'Me' time.
I recently stumbled upon this issue while shopping for winter boots for M. Within the first 10 seconds of pulling on the pom pom that was attached to the zipper on the boots I knew I was in trouble. The pom pom broke off and the the zipper just wouldn't zip! My patience, as well as M's, was coming to an end. In the end I settled for my second choice. A velcro design that went on and off smoothly and something M could easily learn to put on and fasten up herself. Both options were from the same clothing line, Joe Fresh, and at the same price point. I liked both pairs equally but one would cause me to have chest pains and the other wouldn't. I think the decision was a no brainer.
As much as I love shopping for M and love fashion, I will never sacrifice practicality for anything! Ok that's a lie, a girls gotta have a great pair of 5 inch heels.
XO
Amber
Monday 12 December 2011
Mommy 'Mom'ments
First and foremost I am feeling like the worst blogger in the world right now because my blog has taken a back seat to my life. Since my fiance has left for British Columbia I thought I'd have more time to sit down and write about being a mom/fashionista. I was horribly mistaken. I am currently acting as a single mother, even though I am not. It's a lot of work being the only one doing everything (small pity party). However, this blog is not about me and my sob story. It is about a fellow mommy and dear friend of mine whom I'd like to introduce as Supermom.
Supermom, aka T, has been in my life for a few years now. Our friendship did not begin in the land of diapers, bottles, and late night feedings but in a land of waste management and garbage disposal as co-workers. I had the pleasure of knowing T for a fair bit of time before we became moms. You can bet everyone at our office had major speculations when I announced I was pregnant and T was having much of the same symptoms as I was. I hope I didn't blow her cover! We went through our pregnancies swapping knowledge, advice and the obvious worries and concerns about our upcoming deliveries. It was nice to have a belly buddy to chat with everyday. Now we are both 'stay at home mom's' for the time being and have daughters two weeks apart. T also has a new gorgeous baby girl whom is fast approaching 6 months. She is also one of many on my fiances team who are trying to convince me to have another baby (I'm almost there!). Along with being one of the best moms I know, she is also a fellow blogger. T makes both look effortless. Her blogs official title is "Mommy Momments" (link below). I am among many who wait patiently for her magic hands to create another compelling post. Her blog entries can make me laugh, cry, think ' I'm not so alone ', laugh so hard that I cry and everything in between. It's her way of sharing what she knows, admitting what she doesn't and capturing moments of her daughters lives. If there are any moms out there who feel like they are alone and no one else gets what they are going through, think again! Check out T's blog and you will breath a sigh of relief knowing that even a Supermom can get a snag in her cape from time to time.
http://mommysmomments.wordpress.com/
XO
Amber
Supermom, aka T, has been in my life for a few years now. Our friendship did not begin in the land of diapers, bottles, and late night feedings but in a land of waste management and garbage disposal as co-workers. I had the pleasure of knowing T for a fair bit of time before we became moms. You can bet everyone at our office had major speculations when I announced I was pregnant and T was having much of the same symptoms as I was. I hope I didn't blow her cover! We went through our pregnancies swapping knowledge, advice and the obvious worries and concerns about our upcoming deliveries. It was nice to have a belly buddy to chat with everyday. Now we are both 'stay at home mom's' for the time being and have daughters two weeks apart. T also has a new gorgeous baby girl whom is fast approaching 6 months. She is also one of many on my fiances team who are trying to convince me to have another baby (I'm almost there!). Along with being one of the best moms I know, she is also a fellow blogger. T makes both look effortless. Her blogs official title is "Mommy Momments" (link below). I am among many who wait patiently for her magic hands to create another compelling post. Her blog entries can make me laugh, cry, think ' I'm not so alone ', laugh so hard that I cry and everything in between. It's her way of sharing what she knows, admitting what she doesn't and capturing moments of her daughters lives. If there are any moms out there who feel like they are alone and no one else gets what they are going through, think again! Check out T's blog and you will breath a sigh of relief knowing that even a Supermom can get a snag in her cape from time to time.
http://mommysmomments.wordpress.com/
XO
Amber
Thursday 29 September 2011
I feel that I have been neglecting my blog and I have, but with good reason.
My lovely better half is finally cleared to go back to work after a bad leg break. It's been nearly 5 months that he has been home with very little range of movement! There were times I wanted to break his other leg but looking back I'm glad I didn't. Even though we have been waiting a long time for him to be able to get back to work it still is bitter sweet. He left Tuesday, Oct 4th for Fort Nelson, BC. He works out there as a transport truck driver hauling oil rig related things. It'll be nice to finally have some money in the bank and a nice savings to go with it but it's gonna be a long cold winter here with out him. So for the past couple of weeks I have even given up my workout regime in order to bank as many hours with him as possible!
However, I have found just a few minutes to blog today and get you up to speed on what I'm currently dealing with. We are in the process of potty training M. For any parent at this stage of the game you can understand what I'm going through. I have to say that potty training is my most hated task of parenting, yet the most exciting one. Each day you can go from cleaning up accidents to cheering and jumping up and down because the pee actually made it into the potty. You try rewards, the excitement of big girl panties, sitting on the bathroom floor reading books, and refilling the sippy cup while she waits on the potty all in an effort to get her to just GO! She loves the process. She loves getting completely undressed (because she couldn't possibly think about sitting on the potty with her shirt on and pants at her feet). She loves pretending to pee (even makes the sounds). She especially loves taking mounds of toilet paper off the roll to "wipe" with. Last but not least she loves trying to flush the toilet (seeing as she can't quite manage this yet she gets mad and frustrated and refuses to leave the bathroom until you've flushed the toilet for her even though she never even peed).Oh the joys of potty training. I think the worst part is that, as a mom who takes pride in dressing M well everyday, potty training means a lot of pant less days. It's been noted that Lady Gaga has been one to go pant less on many occasions. It's kind of her trademark. For M and I it's a matter of not ruining a million pairs of pants with accidents. It's gotten to the point where there are days when M wants nothing to do with her pants. What's an outfit without it's bottom half? Beats me! In all honesty this doesn't cause me to loose sleep or really effect me but it's just a funny stage of parent/toddlerhood that we are currently dealing with.
Just goes to show that even self claimed Fashionistas have their fair share of fashion dilemmas!
I'll be sure to get more posts up in the next couple of weeks. Please bare with me!
XO
Amber
My lovely better half is finally cleared to go back to work after a bad leg break. It's been nearly 5 months that he has been home with very little range of movement! There were times I wanted to break his other leg but looking back I'm glad I didn't. Even though we have been waiting a long time for him to be able to get back to work it still is bitter sweet. He left Tuesday, Oct 4th for Fort Nelson, BC. He works out there as a transport truck driver hauling oil rig related things. It'll be nice to finally have some money in the bank and a nice savings to go with it but it's gonna be a long cold winter here with out him. So for the past couple of weeks I have even given up my workout regime in order to bank as many hours with him as possible!
However, I have found just a few minutes to blog today and get you up to speed on what I'm currently dealing with. We are in the process of potty training M. For any parent at this stage of the game you can understand what I'm going through. I have to say that potty training is my most hated task of parenting, yet the most exciting one. Each day you can go from cleaning up accidents to cheering and jumping up and down because the pee actually made it into the potty. You try rewards, the excitement of big girl panties, sitting on the bathroom floor reading books, and refilling the sippy cup while she waits on the potty all in an effort to get her to just GO! She loves the process. She loves getting completely undressed (because she couldn't possibly think about sitting on the potty with her shirt on and pants at her feet). She loves pretending to pee (even makes the sounds). She especially loves taking mounds of toilet paper off the roll to "wipe" with. Last but not least she loves trying to flush the toilet (seeing as she can't quite manage this yet she gets mad and frustrated and refuses to leave the bathroom until you've flushed the toilet for her even though she never even peed).Oh the joys of potty training. I think the worst part is that, as a mom who takes pride in dressing M well everyday, potty training means a lot of pant less days. It's been noted that Lady Gaga has been one to go pant less on many occasions. It's kind of her trademark. For M and I it's a matter of not ruining a million pairs of pants with accidents. It's gotten to the point where there are days when M wants nothing to do with her pants. What's an outfit without it's bottom half? Beats me! In all honesty this doesn't cause me to loose sleep or really effect me but it's just a funny stage of parent/toddlerhood that we are currently dealing with.
Just goes to show that even self claimed Fashionistas have their fair share of fashion dilemmas!
I'll be sure to get more posts up in the next couple of weeks. Please bare with me!
XO
Amber
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Red- va va voom- lips
On a recent trip to Sephora with one of my bestie Kathleen and her sister Bernelle I decided to do something a little crazy. Let's keep in mind that crazy, for me, is the equivalent to Kim Kardashian being spotted eatting ice cream two days in a row. I brought up the prospect of trying red lipstick to my gal pals. I even went as far as to suggest we get an associate to show us how to do it correctly on our own lips (I know I'm living on the edge). I knew there had to be a process and I was right. She began by teaching us how to pick out the correct shade of red. For Bernelle and my skin colour we couldn't go too dark, like a burgundy red, or too light, like a pinky red. Next was the application. Easy enough as long as you have a steady hand. Then it was time for lip liner. Stay with the same shade. It can be beneficial to apply this after the lipstick so you can even out any imperfections caused when applying your lip colour. Voila! C'est magnifique! You are now looking like a diva! Truth is we really did look good. What made it even sweeter was when the associate stated that it's a huge fall trend. SOLD! We decided to take the plunge and purchase our new red lips. However, being a mom on the go, I just couldn't see the practicality in doing more than one quick application and out the door I go. I needed an all in one red lip makeover rather than a lipstick and liner process. After searching through our other sultry options in the Sephora brand section, we found a lip stain that did the trick. It was a reasonable $14. I love the Sephora store and brand especially. It's fairly inexpensive for the quality of product you get. I've been around the block a few times to know that this is a good price. Head into your local department store and you will find many similar options but for prices much higher. Side note: I'm also madly in love with their liquid eye liner, it's amazing (trust me, I've gone through so many other inferior brands). After my lips were done M, who waited patiently, was quite amused by mommy's new lips and constantly wanted to examine them. The general consensus is that they are a go!
By sharing my adventures I thought I'd try and spark a few of you to be daring and try wearing the red lip trend this Fall. It can be a fantastic chic addition to an outfit and make you feel flirty and fashionable. You can wear it out for a casual coffee break with a friend or a fancy date night with your other half. It's super versitile. If you aren't convinced yet check out the four page spread in the September issue of InStyle magazine. It's a great how-to guide that features everything from picking the right shade to choosing the finish that is right for you and even a who's who of celebs sporting perfectly red pouts.
So go on and find your inner va-va voom and go paint the town (and your lips) RED!
Xo
Amber
By sharing my adventures I thought I'd try and spark a few of you to be daring and try wearing the red lip trend this Fall. It can be a fantastic chic addition to an outfit and make you feel flirty and fashionable. You can wear it out for a casual coffee break with a friend or a fancy date night with your other half. It's super versitile. If you aren't convinced yet check out the four page spread in the September issue of InStyle magazine. It's a great how-to guide that features everything from picking the right shade to choosing the finish that is right for you and even a who's who of celebs sporting perfectly red pouts.
So go on and find your inner va-va voom and go paint the town (and your lips) RED!
Xo
Amber
Saturday 10 September 2011
My Sweet Singer
Some of you, who have befriended me via facebook, have probably noticed I've been refinishing my Grandmother's old Singer sewing machine. It was in pretty rough shape. It had been sitting outside exposed to the elements for a few months before I rescued it and gave it some TLC. I am so proud of how far it has come. This in turn makes me wonder... just how far has it come? What has it created? What could it create?
The old Singer may have never taken part in creating designer duds but it must have helped clothe my family at some point. It guided gentle hands in a labour of love, fixed what had been torn, and maybe even breathed new life into an old garment. I wish I could say I have some articles that were sewn by it but that is just wishful thinking.
I am nonetheless very excited that a peice of my history now sits in my home. It will be mine until I share it and pass it along to M who I hope will love it dearly. If I ever get it in working condition and learn to sew (no judgement please) then I will share with you my creations. Until that miraculous day it will just look like a million bucks in my front hall for all to see. This mama is so proud!
xo
Amber
I am nonetheless very excited that a peice of my history now sits in my home. It will be mine until I share it and pass it along to M who I hope will love it dearly. If I ever get it in working condition and learn to sew (no judgement please) then I will share with you my creations. Until that miraculous day it will just look like a million bucks in my front hall for all to see. This mama is so proud!
xo
Amber
Thursday 8 September 2011
'Big Sexy' fashion?
I've recently been introduced to this new three-part series on TLC, Big Sexy. It features five plus sized women in New York City trying to make it in the fashion world. We get a snapshot of what their every day life is like being 'big girls' and the struggles that come with. However, they embrace their curves and have no over-powering desire to change their voluptuous bodies. During one of the episodes one of the ladies makes a powerful statement: "Fashion is for everyone." This got me thinking... should designers cater to every size even if it's plus size and in turn potentially supporting, at times, an unhealthy way of life?
Yes, I too believe that fashion is for everyone. After all we all have to get up and get dressed in the morning. We all seek to look and feel great in the clothes we wear. Trying to shop for stylish pieces that fit and suit my body type has, at times, been challenging. This is coming from someone who has had to wear plus size clothes at certain points in my life. I can certainly feel for the women of Big Sexy. Especially when they attend a fashion show during New York Fashion Week and are disappointed that none of the designers are showcasing clothing modelled by plus size ladies. I too would feel as though the body image of the models that I'm seeing on the runway is highly unattainable. There were moments in the show where I could really relate to the ladies. The major difference being that I want to loose weight and am not okay with being plus size. I love my curves and don't want to loose all of them, but I'd also like to feel 110% good in my body. This can be hard, especially after have babies. Even if I was at my ideal weight I still wouldn't be able to feel great in clothes that were designed with the 'stick thin' in mind. I know that the smaller sized body is preferred to showcase a designers collection but can this look send the wrong message at times. The designers may not be showing plus size models in plus sized clothing but they are showing women who are at the very opposite end of the spectrum. These ladies could be deemed too skinny and also unhealthy.
I think at the end of the day a designer will never be able to make everyone happy. I also believe that if someone chooses to start a fashion line they really need to focus on one specific size group of people and that way they can avoid a lot of grief. Not everyone needs to shop in every store equally but there should be different stores with different styles and tastes for people of all shapes and sizes. Let's also keep in mind that just because someone is plus size doesn't mean they are totally unhealthy and same for those whom are slender. So if ever in your life time you get the opportunity to see a runway show let's keep the judgements on the fashion and not the models. Fashion is for everyone....to enjoy!
xo
Amber
Yes, I too believe that fashion is for everyone. After all we all have to get up and get dressed in the morning. We all seek to look and feel great in the clothes we wear. Trying to shop for stylish pieces that fit and suit my body type has, at times, been challenging. This is coming from someone who has had to wear plus size clothes at certain points in my life. I can certainly feel for the women of Big Sexy. Especially when they attend a fashion show during New York Fashion Week and are disappointed that none of the designers are showcasing clothing modelled by plus size ladies. I too would feel as though the body image of the models that I'm seeing on the runway is highly unattainable. There were moments in the show where I could really relate to the ladies. The major difference being that I want to loose weight and am not okay with being plus size. I love my curves and don't want to loose all of them, but I'd also like to feel 110% good in my body. This can be hard, especially after have babies. Even if I was at my ideal weight I still wouldn't be able to feel great in clothes that were designed with the 'stick thin' in mind. I know that the smaller sized body is preferred to showcase a designers collection but can this look send the wrong message at times. The designers may not be showing plus size models in plus sized clothing but they are showing women who are at the very opposite end of the spectrum. These ladies could be deemed too skinny and also unhealthy.
I think at the end of the day a designer will never be able to make everyone happy. I also believe that if someone chooses to start a fashion line they really need to focus on one specific size group of people and that way they can avoid a lot of grief. Not everyone needs to shop in every store equally but there should be different stores with different styles and tastes for people of all shapes and sizes. Let's also keep in mind that just because someone is plus size doesn't mean they are totally unhealthy and same for those whom are slender. So if ever in your life time you get the opportunity to see a runway show let's keep the judgements on the fashion and not the models. Fashion is for everyone....to enjoy!
xo
Amber
Thursday 1 September 2011
Celeb Trends: Embrace or Erase from your mind
I love keeping up on the latest trends and seeing what the celebrities are sporting these days. This is probably what fuels my magazine addiction. I recently picked up the September issue of People Style Watch. On page 136 they highlight a Celeb Trend that I am so torn about I needed to post it to see what you all thought.
On one hand I'm thinking "Grandma, Grandma, Grandma". Then on the other hand I'm thinking "Elegant, feminine.... maybe one of those things that you see on the rack and think 'ew' but then your best friend convinces you to try it on and you look like a million bucks so you treat her to a grande, non-fat, no whip something or other from Starbucks to thank her for pushing your fashion boundries to new levels!" So maybe I should be my own best friend and give it a fair try.
My eyes wander to the bottom of the page which has a section that lets us 'average joes' know where we can find the look in varying price ranges. The only one that tickles my fancy is the style from H & M. My reasons being that it's the most inexpensive and I have an iPhone app for H & M that gives me the occasional discount coupon. I am, after all, a diva on a dime. I venture into the mall the next day to take the plunge and try on what hopefully isn't a disaster. I search the store for the same style blouse. I stumble upon the closest thing to the tie-neck as I could. It was a nude coloured blouse with the same draping however the height of the tie and thickness of the tie were slightly off. I thought I've give it a try none the less. On my way to the change room I picked up a similar coloured tank for underneath, as the blouse was sheer. As I looked in the mirror at my take on the celeb trend I thought "Hmm this isn't half bad looking". My second thought was " This is super comfortable". I looked effortlessly put together and felt so comfortable that I could wear this look out with M or out to dinner. I popped on a cool blazer and I was sold! 
I think the key to celeb trends is taking from them what works for you and make it your own. I'm still not sure if I could pull off the exact same look as the ladies in the picture on the left but I found something similar that worked for me. Overall, it's fun trying new things and finding out something new about your style. I highly recommend taking the plunge and breaking down your fashion boundries.
Xo
Amber
Amber
Wednesday 17 August 2011
DRESS it up: Night and Day
Ever find yourself staring into your closet and saying " I have nothing to wear! "? Then from the other side of the bedroom you hear your other half laughing sarcastically. In his opinion you could probably open your own clothing boutique with the amount of clothes that's in your wardrobe. He might have to stage an intervention if he witnesses you walking in the house with another shopping bag. Even if it was from that store you JUST absolutely adore, containing another shirt, you JUST had to have, because after all it was, JUST reduced 50%, on sale.
This is my life!
Even though I might be a shopaholic, I strive to find a bargain at all times. I also try to only buy an article of clothing if I know I can pair it with several existing pieces I have in my closet, creating several different looks. Call it "getting the most bang for your buck". Take the dress I am wearing today, featured in the pictures below. I bought it for a night out with my sister for her 19th birthday. I wore it only that once and it has hung hopelessly on a hanger waiting to be worn again. Today I was inspired to take it from night to day. In most cases my fellow fashionista would be on a mission to take a daytime look and make it work for a night out. I already knew I had a perfect night time look. In order to get more wear out of the dress I needed to make it work for daytime too. The dress was from Urban Behaviour on sale for $19.99, the perfect price!! It shows off my legs, which as of late I am incredibly proud of due to my daily workout regime. For my night out with my sister I chose to wear a black blazer with 3/4 length sleeves that is, in my opinion, a wardrobe staple. I feel more comfortable covering up myt arms as they are a work in progress. I paired it with my best heels. Classic black pumps from Le Chateau that I scored for half price, $29.99. I purchased them last Christmas and have been in love ever since! It looked great. However, it just wasn't practical for a day filled with running errands with M. I needed flat shoes and wanted to steer clear from black, it seemed too harsh for daytime. I decided to throw on a cream coloured boyfriend cardigan, another wardrobe staple. A pair of white flip flops, $7.99 Charlotte Russe this season, and my new found love, a Coach Poppy Signature swingpack, helped complete my look.
I really liked how I looked and felt, in each outfit. I took a simple dress, that I may have only ended up wearing once, and gave it a completely different look. I could have easily gone out and found a new dress to make casual. Instead, the sense of pride that came with knowing I saved money, not only on the dress originally but by wearing it a second time in a new way, was well worth it.
I strongly suggest you take a second look at the pieces in your closet and give them a new lease on life. It will make you feel good about yourself, creatively and financially. Not to mention it will save you from being signed up for "Shopaholics Anonymous" by your spouse.
You can thank me later,
XO
Amber
This is my life!
Even though I might be a shopaholic, I strive to find a bargain at all times. I also try to only buy an article of clothing if I know I can pair it with several existing pieces I have in my closet, creating several different looks. Call it "getting the most bang for your buck". Take the dress I am wearing today, featured in the pictures below. I bought it for a night out with my sister for her 19th birthday. I wore it only that once and it has hung hopelessly on a hanger waiting to be worn again. Today I was inspired to take it from night to day. In most cases my fellow fashionista would be on a mission to take a daytime look and make it work for a night out. I already knew I had a perfect night time look. In order to get more wear out of the dress I needed to make it work for daytime too. The dress was from Urban Behaviour on sale for $19.99, the perfect price!! It shows off my legs, which as of late I am incredibly proud of due to my daily workout regime. For my night out with my sister I chose to wear a black blazer with 3/4 length sleeves that is, in my opinion, a wardrobe staple. I feel more comfortable covering up myt arms as they are a work in progress. I paired it with my best heels. Classic black pumps from Le Chateau that I scored for half price, $29.99. I purchased them last Christmas and have been in love ever since! It looked great. However, it just wasn't practical for a day filled with running errands with M. I needed flat shoes and wanted to steer clear from black, it seemed too harsh for daytime. I decided to throw on a cream coloured boyfriend cardigan, another wardrobe staple. A pair of white flip flops, $7.99 Charlotte Russe this season, and my new found love, a Coach Poppy Signature swingpack, helped complete my look.
I really liked how I looked and felt, in each outfit. I took a simple dress, that I may have only ended up wearing once, and gave it a completely different look. I could have easily gone out and found a new dress to make casual. Instead, the sense of pride that came with knowing I saved money, not only on the dress originally but by wearing it a second time in a new way, was well worth it.
I strongly suggest you take a second look at the pieces in your closet and give them a new lease on life. It will make you feel good about yourself, creatively and financially. Not to mention it will save you from being signed up for "Shopaholics Anonymous" by your spouse.
You can thank me later,
XO
Amber
Friday 12 August 2011
Wardrobe malfunction and the trouble with the 'Terrible Twos'
Any parent of a two-year-old child more than likely possesses nerves of steel, incredible patience plus quick and savy ways to get their son or daughter to cooperate. I am now in this 'elite' club (that sounds a bit more appealing) or mommies who are battling the terrible twos.
I must say, and most who know me would agree, that there are far worse behaved children than my own. That only makes her occasional tantrums even worse, because I'm just not used to dealing with that behaviour.
That brings me to this morning.
Every morning we wake up anywhere between 8-9 am and begin our day by getting little M changed and dressed before we head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. I then clean up and head out to the YMCA with M in tow for a workout while she plays in daycare. Now that she is becoming her own person and has a mind of her own this whole routine can get challenging at times. Until recently I could pick her up out of her crib and have no problem laying her down on her change table to change her bum. Even now nine times out of ten she will comply and not fight me. This morning was one of those few times she decided to fight me until she is free from my arms and running around the house with a stinky bum screaming "no mommy, no change bum!". I knew we were off to a rough start. Finally I managed to get her back into her room to change her. There she was laying on the change table in just a diaper patiently waiting for me to pick an outfit out. Below her, are drawers filled with clothing ( the kid has more clothes than her father and I combined) and a closet just to the left of her also packed with apparel. I found a cute pair of jeans with a great wash, that I rolled up twice and paired them with a white tee. It features a bulldog in zebra print and reads "I wish I was a Zebra" (Joe Fresh line, Zehrs Markets). I'm thinking "So cute, you look amazing!" She very often ends up looking how I wish I looked. Casual, effortlessly chic and comfortable.
I take a lot of pride in trying to maintain my style while being a great mom and finding time to make myself look put together and fashionable. I also love dressing M to follow in my footsteps and look like a mini fashionista. I think this all stems from seeing too many parents settle for dressing their child in a sleeper all day or a t-shirt and a diaper and heading out the door. They say you need to dress for success and that what you wear is a reflection of who you are. D loves clothes and loves to shop as long as she has had her nap. She will see something in a store, point and say "Oh my goodness!" She puts her two cents in and will comment on what you are looking at or showing her with a simple "cute." She is into fashion and dressing nice just as much as her mommy is. I just hope one day she will find a style that makes her happy and represents who her true self while keeping it on budget! With all that said there are days when she won't let me dress her in what I think looks good. She will have the last word and it usually boils down to her shoes.
Like I said earlier, I had a perfect outfit picked out for our trip to the Y, then came the shoes. I was deciding on a pair of black ballet flats or a pair of Roxy white strapy flipflops. She wanted neither. She walks on over to her shoes and picks out her bright pink Crocs. She is in love with them. I think mainly because she can put them on herself and easily take them off too. I agreeed she could wear them but after she tried them on it just wasn't looking right. I quickly suggested we change her shirt and before she could say "yes" or "no" it was done. A brightly coloured tee with a bright pink strawberry in the centre. "Perfect!", I told her. She looked up at me smiled, vocalized an evil laugh and ran down the hall screaming "come on!!!"
Life with a two year old isn't always perfect but it's always fun and rewarding. She is the most amazing person I know. To be able to share mother/daughter moments about the things that I love makes me look forward to the future when she's telling me what to wear and showing me what she loves!
xo
Amber
I must say, and most who know me would agree, that there are far worse behaved children than my own. That only makes her occasional tantrums even worse, because I'm just not used to dealing with that behaviour.
That brings me to this morning.
Every morning we wake up anywhere between 8-9 am and begin our day by getting little M changed and dressed before we head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. I then clean up and head out to the YMCA with M in tow for a workout while she plays in daycare. Now that she is becoming her own person and has a mind of her own this whole routine can get challenging at times. Until recently I could pick her up out of her crib and have no problem laying her down on her change table to change her bum. Even now nine times out of ten she will comply and not fight me. This morning was one of those few times she decided to fight me until she is free from my arms and running around the house with a stinky bum screaming "no mommy, no change bum!". I knew we were off to a rough start. Finally I managed to get her back into her room to change her. There she was laying on the change table in just a diaper patiently waiting for me to pick an outfit out. Below her, are drawers filled with clothing ( the kid has more clothes than her father and I combined) and a closet just to the left of her also packed with apparel. I found a cute pair of jeans with a great wash, that I rolled up twice and paired them with a white tee. It features a bulldog in zebra print and reads "I wish I was a Zebra" (Joe Fresh line, Zehrs Markets). I'm thinking "So cute, you look amazing!" She very often ends up looking how I wish I looked. Casual, effortlessly chic and comfortable.
I take a lot of pride in trying to maintain my style while being a great mom and finding time to make myself look put together and fashionable. I also love dressing M to follow in my footsteps and look like a mini fashionista. I think this all stems from seeing too many parents settle for dressing their child in a sleeper all day or a t-shirt and a diaper and heading out the door. They say you need to dress for success and that what you wear is a reflection of who you are. D loves clothes and loves to shop as long as she has had her nap. She will see something in a store, point and say "Oh my goodness!" She puts her two cents in and will comment on what you are looking at or showing her with a simple "cute." She is into fashion and dressing nice just as much as her mommy is. I just hope one day she will find a style that makes her happy and represents who her true self while keeping it on budget! With all that said there are days when she won't let me dress her in what I think looks good. She will have the last word and it usually boils down to her shoes.
Like I said earlier, I had a perfect outfit picked out for our trip to the Y, then came the shoes. I was deciding on a pair of black ballet flats or a pair of Roxy white strapy flipflops. She wanted neither. She walks on over to her shoes and picks out her bright pink Crocs. She is in love with them. I think mainly because she can put them on herself and easily take them off too. I agreeed she could wear them but after she tried them on it just wasn't looking right. I quickly suggested we change her shirt and before she could say "yes" or "no" it was done. A brightly coloured tee with a bright pink strawberry in the centre. "Perfect!", I told her. She looked up at me smiled, vocalized an evil laugh and ran down the hall screaming "come on!!!"
Life with a two year old isn't always perfect but it's always fun and rewarding. She is the most amazing person I know. To be able to share mother/daughter moments about the things that I love makes me look forward to the future when she's telling me what to wear and showing me what she loves!
xo
Amber
Wednesday 10 August 2011
ROOTS boots
Since I live in a climate that frowns upon wearing blazers, scarves and knee high boots this time of year I needed to find another way to fill my longing for fall attire, so I took to the mall. It was upon entering Roots that I discovered not only an amazing pair for knee high black leather riding boots but a great selling feature that totally peaked my interest. After being approaced by a sales associate I informed her that I loved the boot that I was at this point cradelling in my arms like it was a newborn baby fragile and helpless. I, however, was not thrilled that they had added bold white stitching where the sole of the boot met the leather. That's when she informed me that I could design and create my own boot to be exactly how I wanted it to look. I could pick the leather finishing, colour, height, buckle or no buckle, white stitching or black stitching! I was thrilled! The thought that I could potentailly own a pair of boots that no one else in the world ( or at least the Niagara Region) would have made me as giddy as a pre-teen at a Justin Beiber concert. The, now amazing and almost my bff, sales associate explained that it only takes about 10 minutes to create your masterpiece and that they could ship the boot in approx 4-6 weeks which suits me just fine because not only have I fed my hunger for a great fall boot but I won't be looking like a fool in 35 degree weather wearing them because by the time the are slipped on my feet it will be fall and I will be looking FABULOUS!
The only downfall to this process is that it has to be completed in store and is not available online. That does however let you explore the store for other super cute and cozy sweats, leggings and hoodies to have you looking effortlessly put together for a fun fall day out with friends or family. Also the price of the boot alone can vary depending on how you create it but generally speaking they run around the $280.00 area and to have them custom made is an additional $25.00. I do think that the extra fee is well worth it though.
I think this is a fabulous idea and I am rating it 9 out of 10 only due to the fact its not available online!
http://canada.roots.com/
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