September's Winner

Congratulations to LILI My very first BadCrush winner!!! She won the vintage topaz earrings from CrushJewels.

Lili isn't just a follower but she's also a very talented blogger and writes about celebrity fashion and trends.

Seeing Green

While shopping with a good girlfriend on Main Street in Vancouver she led me to this fantastic little store call “The Lip Lounge”. The store is to die for with only a few sizes in each piece so you feel like you’re getting a one of a kind. Not only was the store filled with fashionable pieces but the sales girl was really great, walking us through the store and showing us her favorite pieces. While looking around I found this lovely little top by Gentle Fawn in a forest green. I love this top because it’s not only a looser style but the side panels are sheer giving the top dimension and a sexy edge. I got this top only for $59 and have completely fallen in love with. Though the store is small it is full on trendy pieces that affordable “The Lip Lounge” is Located on 3628 main street In Vancouver. K<3

Only one more day until my first BadCrush give away end!!! All you have to do is become a follower and you will have a chance to win the vintage topaz earrings from CrushJewels

GOOD LUCK

The MUST Have

Every girl needs a go to pieces. I’m talking about a pieces that without fail you can throw on and instantly look pulled together. I'm talking about the Blazer, In the Last 20 years the women’s blazer has change drastically from a wide shoulder mess to a tailored and sleek MUST have. Not only has the silhouette changed but also the way you wear it. Throw it on with a white tee and a pair skinny’s and you have the perfect casual look it’s about simple elegances. Style should be effortless or at least look it.

Looking for the right blazer!

1. Look for a blazer in Lightweight wool or in cotton so they can be worn all year long.

2. The length of the blazer is all about your preference. Just remember when wearing a skirt you blazer need to be shorter.
3. Look for a pieces with sleek embellishments like a double trim collar or brass or metal buttons. Things that add character but will go with anything.

Adding the finishing touch!

1. If you’re wearing your blazer casually turn up the sleeves to show the inside lining. It’s about details.

2. Glam-It up with a statement necklace or earrings. Choose one or the other.

3. Add a killer bag and some cute shoes.

Only Three More Days

Okay so my first BadCrush give away will be a pair of Vintage Estate Honey Topaz Earrings below from Crush Jewels. http://www.etsy.com/listing/41467842/vintage-estate-honey-topaz-earrings All you guys need to do is become a follower. Contest ends  in only THREE days!!!! I just want to say thank you to everyone has become a follower I really appreciate it.

 

 

EARRINGS DESIGNED BY CRUSHJEWELS

The Cardi

So every girl has her own opinion about what the perfect cardigan is. Currently I'm crushing over the oversize male inspired V-neck cardigan. The lovely cardi featured is from Theory and is made of Mohair and extra fine merino wool. Now this cardigan is just a touch on the expensive side but I did find something similar in the men’s section of The Bay By Moon and retails for much less. Now when looking for the perfect cardigan, have a clear picture of what you’re looking for in your head. It’s easy to settle for something that isn't anything but perfect. Also spending those extra dollars on a natural fiber is also going extend the life your piece and in the end it’s worth the bucks.

I was inspired to write this entry about finding your perfect cardigan and keeping it perfect from a customer at work. She said that a cardigan pills because it’s bad quality. Well let me just tell you all cardigans, Sweaters, and anything that is made from a fiber that is a knit will pill. It’s all about the way you take care of them. 

Here are a couple of easy tips to keep you knits looking perfect longer.

1. Your best practice is to wash the item before you wear it. It calms the fibers and creates a barrier. Always hand wash but if you really don’t want to always use the delicate setting on the machine. Use little soap.

2 Don't ever hang sweaters and cardigans it cases them to stretch out.

3. It’s all about the fit. Most of the time a sweater or cardigan pills because the piece is too big. So before you purchase make sure you try on array of sizes.

4. Remove pills from your sweaters regularly to keep them looking presentable. Pilling is caused by rubbing during wear and is more apparent around the elbows, under the armpits and on sleeves but can occur anywhere on the sweater. Purchase a hand-held depillar or a small electric shaver made for depilling. A sweater shaver is your friend.

Going Vintage

I don't know how many times I have walked in to a shop like Value Village and have found a treasure. Not only finding a piece that no one will have, But a treasure with a story behind it. In this day and age we are in a society that troughs everything away and like the saying goes someone else trash is another's treasure. But not very vintage piece are created equal. When you’re going vintage there are a few things you need to know before making that purchase.

* When buying vintage ask yourself does this piece look modern? Will I be able to wear this again? Will it be a staple I will have for years?

* Check the items condition. Check all seams, Armpits and material for stains and imperfections. Also Check if anything of the embellishments are missing and if your able to fix them.

* Labels aren't always good. A vintage piece needs to be good in design not just because it’s Gucci.

            * Ask a girlfriend for their opinion. Note people lie so bring someone you trust.

* Just because it trendy doesn't mean it’s going to look good on you. Going vintage is to find items you’re going to love for a life time. 

So next time you’re at grandmother’s house take a peek at her accessories. You’re bound to find something very special.

K<3

Romance With An Edge

So I'm really excited to share with you that my first give away ends in the next week. For the month of September I'm giving away a pair of stunning vintage honey topaz earrings From an amazing designer on Etsy. Anyways  I just wanted to share with you a little about the designer Kym not only is she a gifted artist but I'm also proud to call her my mother. Kym or shall I say Mum has been in the the business of designing jewelery for a little over fourteen years and is currently responsible for three different Etsy stores such as CrushJewels. She has also owned two very successful high end boutiques and has been featured in "style at home" and "Canadian house and home". Not to mention also appeared on the TV show The Shopping Bag.  She Specializes in hand crafted pieces made from vintage stones and findings. Not only are her pieces romantic and vintage but they have a underline of that Gothic edge so there really is something for everyone. 

Okay so my first BadCrush give away will be the Vintage Estate Honey Topaz Earrings on the right from Crush Jewels. http://www.etsy.com/listing/41467842/vintage-estate-honey-topaz-earrings  All you guys need to do is become a follower. Contest end September 30^th

Getting Heeled

One of the largest trends for this fall is the heeled loafer. Personally when I started to see this trend unfold I wasn't too fond of the flat version but in heels there ultra chic. My favorite part about this trend is that there are so many different styles from old school chic to art-deco. Not only is this look versatile but it also appropriate for any occasion. Pair them put with a pair of wool trouser or a pleated skirt with a leather jacket and your set. 

STYLING TIPS

look for a loafer with a heel that isn't to skinny. Not only is a thicker heel more comfortable but the idea of wearing a heeled loafer is to have that heavier look.

Always choose leather. Leather always looks good and against other materials it last a lot longer and looks expensive.

K<3

The Test Of Time

I just wanted to share with you one of my favorite accessories that I bought earlier this year. Its my Marc By Marc Jacobs stainless steal watch. Not only is it a thing of pure beauty but its the one pieces that I can't go one day with out wearing. And no joke it goes with everything. The best part about this watch is that the band is wrapped in black silicon so it not only gives the watch character but it protects itself from scratches. Also on the outside rim of the watch its got these really edgy stainless steal studs and only costs $180.

 Aside from that I wanted to give you a couple of things to look for while your shopping for a great watch. Look for a piece that comes in a neutral colour for example Black, gold, silver or ceramic. Also choose a watch with a plain face, if you want something with a design go with simple. You want something that is going to stand the test of time (LOL) not something that isn't going to work with next years falls trends. Also tip stay away from leather or cloth bands they tend to wear out fast and need to be replaced. K<3

At Home Hair Care

 

This season is all about hair with volume and I'm a huge fan of the curling iron and I mean huge I use it everyday. And quick tip if you want the best curls use your hair straightener the curls come out perfect and you dont need to use and hair spray and there guaranteed to last all night long. Anyways this entry is about at home hair treatments that are going to keep your hair healthy and keep dollars in your pocket. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Add three tablespoons to three cups of water and run through hair and wash. This is a great way to add shine to your hair and rinse away residue from daily usage of products.

2. Avocado: Mash one ripe avocado, two teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of almond oil. Rinse and wash out after 20 minutes. This mask is a great way to hydrate your locks. 

3. Mayonnaise: I know this sounds very unappealing but it works. Add about half a cup to hair and let sit for 20 minutes. Tip use a shower cap. also for best result make you mayonnaise from scratch. 

4.Olive Oil: Warm up a quarter of a cup of olive oil and a hand full of rosemary and use as a hot oil treatment. 

5. Shea Butter: Warm up in your hands and run through your hair. This is my all time favorite way to mend split ends and it leaves an amazing shine. 

6. Brush you hair often it draws the natural oils from your hand and make you hair shinny and strong. 

My Last Purchase

So it’s officially fall in Vancouver and of course this week is paydayJ. So like a true shopaholic I had to go out and get a new fall jacket and ended up finding this gorgeous little military inspired jacket from Banana Republic. Now in the online description of the jacket it says it a bunker green with it isn't it this beautiful chocolate brown with gold snaps and I just adore it. The jacket is Nylon, Polyester and Cotton making it 100% washable which is good for me because I’m a spiller and retails $185 but if you buy it in the states its only $150. Yikes what a price difference! Anyways just wanted to share with you my excitement about my new purchase<3K

Tips For Effortless Style On You Day Off

A day off is when you think about comfort, yet again comfort doesn't mean wear sweat pants with holes in them and a t-shirts with oil stains. A day off from work doesn't mean you have the day off from style. And no matter how much you want to wear a tracksuit they're meant to be worn at the gym or around the house not out for dinner with your girlfriends.

When shopping for weekend clothing its essential that everything you buy is something you’re going to wear, that you’re going to love and you will wear it. Look for pieces in jersey or in a cotton blends, these fabric are wrinkle resident and save you time with not having to iron or steam them.  

Weekend staples:

1.       Well fitted or over sized cardigan. Choose something in a neutral colour for more versatility.

2.       A pair for dark wash denim. Doesn't matter what fit they are as long as you look great in them and they keep their shape all day. Note stay away from denim with holes the key is to look polished.

3.       White or neutral coloured top. Preferably in a Jersey, look for a top that flows.

4.       A cotton dress. A wrap dress is universal  and can be worn anytime but this season I loving cotton floral mini’s

5.       Skinny belt. Try metallic or braided leather.

6.       Cute flats with small embellishments.

7.       Brown leather tote.

8.       Your favorite accessories.

A True Statement

So I haven’t really talked about Jewelry on my blog, but it is a true passion of mine.  I try and choose pieces with a story behind them and tend to like more of the vintage feel. I love gold and brass because of my complexion it tends to stand out better on my skin. Recently while surfing the pages of Etsy I found this amazing little store called Tinged from Calgary Alberta. She specializes in handcrafted vintage jewelry of odds and ends. The piece that caught my eye was the Gypsy Heart statement necklace. Made from a myriad of charms, buttons, coins and shells and only retails for $90. If your looking for a piece that will start conversation then this is the neclaless for you.  Pair it up with a LBD (Little Black Dress) and  strappy sandals and your good to go.

If you would like to check out Tinged go to:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53556863/gypsy-heart

Four Soles You Need To Have.

Okay so today we’re talking about shoes and what every girl needs in her closet as the bare basics. Now I know my male friends reading this blog are going to say my girl has more than four pairs of shoes. But all I’m saying that these four Shoes are what essential to every closet.

1.       Ballerina Flat:  They go with every out fit and they work for both day and night. Look a plain pair in a patent leather and if you want an embellishment the smaller the better. You want them to go with everything.

2.       Strappy Sandals: Choose them in your favorite Metallic. Gold, bronze and silver go with every colour you could possibly wear.

3.       Plain leather knee high boots: There a winter must, wear with tights and skirt and a cute sweater and you have the perfect winter look. My choice would have to be rich brown or cognac leather this season.

4.       Black pumps: The higher the better.

Five Fall Trends To Watch

While looking through the pages of September’s magazines I noticed a few trends to watch out for this season.

I.                ANIMAL PRINT: Look for bags in either python or leopard. My choice would be something small like a clutch.  Neutral-toned accessories are a classic way to tame the exotic edge of this look. But if you’re feeling bold try a colour like Navy blue or Emerald.

II.              JEWEL TONES: For fall it’s all about colour. Look for pieces with saturated colour. Ex. Amber, Teal, Crimson, Saffron and Cobalt Blue.  

III.            PRINTED PIECES: Polka dots, Forals, and prints are a must. Note if you’re wearing a print let it be your focus pair it up with something neutral or with opaque tights.

IV.           EMBELLISHED: Go for the feeling of opulence Beaded, Lace or sequins tops are my favorites. Pair with high wasted wool pants or a  silk shirt.

V.             MENS WEAR: Go for the look of Androgyny. The key is to find well tailor pieces that still show your shape. Look for a blazer in a slim cut in a houndstooth or herringbone.

Wish List for Fall

This is going to sound completely crazy, especially being in Vancouver and summer just arriving two weeks ago. But I'm ready for colder weather. I know, I know it’s crazy but it must have something to do with working in retail and already having fall merchandise in the store. But I want to wear thick cashmere scarfs, wool military style coats and leather boots. Doesn't sound it sound nice, is that too much to ask for? Always this season I have fallen love with Andrew Marc Jackets and Milla its gorgeous (shown in Andrew Marc AD campaign).The curved tulip hem is a playful take on men’s formal wear. Fun, funky, flirty, and forever.  I'm not going to tell you how much it retails for because when I saw the price I almost choked on my tongue.  But it is truly a beautiful price to have in your closet or have something look like that in your closet anyways. lol

                                           - K (Hoping for rain)

Pumping Up The Volume

So today at work the subject of mascara came up and someone asked me what brand I like to use.  Ever since Sephora came to my neck of the woods I have been obsessed with finding the mascara that isn’t too wet or the brush isn’t the weird plastic kind. I have tried all the high end, high priced mascara but I always come right back to the l’Oreal Paris Voluminous in black. Only $10 bucks! Then  i decided to poll the girls at work to see what they use and you know what, they all use drug store brands. Who said beauty comes at a cost.

Tips of getting the a fuller look with your favourite mascara

1.       Mascara is like a toothbrush: you should replace it every three months. This ensures optimal performance and cuts the risk of infection caused by bacteria build up.

2.       A thick, dense brush is ideal for both light and thicker application. Make sure the brush has no clumps on the end or in the bristles.

3.       To create the look of extra long lashes, try using an eyelash curler.  Align the tool with your lashes and hold for five to ten seconds. Then apply one or two light coats of mascara to extend lashes to their maximum length

 And if you looking for a great false lash brand try Shu Uemura.

Okay so my first BadCrush give away will be the Vintage Estate Honey Topaz Earrings on the right from Crush Jewels. http://www.etsy.com/listing/41467842/vintage-estate-honey-topaz-earrings  All you guys need to do is become a follower. Contest end September 30^th

My Butt Looks Fab In These!

Okay so today at work I was helping this woman, maybe around seventy-five. She was with her grandchildren (in there early twenties) looking for some new pieces to update her look. She asked me what fit of denim is in this season and I told her that the look was either a flared or trouser leg. Then she looked me up and down and says "why aren't you wearing them". Standing there in my Jbrand skinnies all I could say was "I can't wear flared everyday" thinking I would if I could but I have to wear a four inch heel because I’m too lazy to get them taken up ( they just never look right after). Anyways it had to be the funniest thing a customer has ever said to me in a long time. In the end she ended up getting two pairs and a bunch of other items for her grandchildren.  But this whole thing got me thinking about new denim fits for fall. Now most of us girls know we can’t live without our skinny jeans but I have to say there are a few retailers this season with some great fits. This season Seven for all mankind have come out with a new slim trouser leg denim called Lockheed retailing for about $169. My favourite part about these jeans is they have a clean back pocket giving a more sophisticated feel. Another retailer is Banana Republic for their fall collection they put out a dark wash flare that retails for only $110 and they look super hot on and I mean HOTT. My favourite part about this style the distressing on the leg and thigh and they make you legs look a mile long.