12/28/2013

The Patterned Suit



Hello Everyone, 
I hope your holidays were good and everyone is safe and sound!
I’m extremely excited for this post because I was on a serious search for a patterned suit, however, not just any patterned suit. This suit had to be one with a great fit and with a striking presence to it, without making me look like a walking vintage couch. So, there it was at The Hudson's Bay Company.  I pounced on it immediately, but quickly backed away when I saw the hefty price tag. However, the price was not the only thing I was wary of, it was the fact it was patterned. The concept of a pattern is to decorate a form, so therefore, you definitely would be on display with this one!  I recently went back after discovering it was on sale and thought; “I have been a very good girl this year! So, Merry Christmas to me!"

 There are many advantages to a patterned suit, you can make a huge statement and wear the complete suit or you can break it up, to jazz up other items in your closet. However, such a bold statement can make you feel vulnerable if you are not prepared for the attention and are not ready to tell the world "look at me". In the past I was reluctant to try on these big statement outfits, but I have realized that we all possess unique attributes and gifts and everyone deserves a 'look at me' moment. Embrace what makes you unique and don't be afraid to stand out in the crowd.
So, what do you think of the suit? What items have you recently purchased or were gifted to you  that you're super excited about?


patterned suit

patterned suit


patterned suit
 Until Next time,
Outfit Information:
Blazer: Hudson's Bay (Rachel Roy)
Trousers: Hudson's Bay (Rachel Roy)
Dress Shirt: Thrifted
Heels: Thrifted 
Necklace: c/o Joseph Nogucci  (here)
12/19/2013

Faux Fur, Smart Set & Joseph Nogucci



Hello Everyone,
So glad to be able to step outside with heels again without the risk of slipping and maybe breaking an ankle. The weather has been really mild today, to the point that the snow is melting, hence the not so great scenery. However, no complaints here from me, I don't mind the slush as long as it stays warm! Today’s post is jammed packed with some of my favorite things; today is thrift style Thursday and this week’s theme is faux fur!! This fur vest was actually a cropped jacket that I transformed into a  vest.
Next, I was reintroduced to Smart Set (clothing brand) at the blogger's conference I attended a few weeks ago.  The brand has completely re-invented itself into a hip clothing company catering to stylish professional women.   When I walked into Smart Set there was colour, texture, patterns and prints, which is a huge change from the past. One of my favourite colours is oxblood,so when I saw this blazer and blouse I knew I had to have it, and paired it with these oxblood coloured jeans. FYI, the zippers on the back of the jeans do not zip all the way up, they stop a bit above the ankles.
Lastly, I paired everything with this necklace and bracelet set by Joseph Nogucci---a  local Toronto brand. The outfit required something more subtle, rather than a big statement necklace. I adore the anchor symbol and see it as a representation of being grounded, which then keeps you focused on your goals and mindful of your achievements.
What do you think of the outfit? 



oxblood street style

oxblood street style

Please check out the other participants of Thrift Style Thursday and see how they rocked faux fur:
Outfit Information
Faux fur vest: Thrifted 
Anchor necklace and bracelet: c/o Joseph Nogucci (see here)
Blazer: c/o Smart Set
Blouse: c/o Smart Set (see here)
Colored Jeans: Guess (old)
Heels: Thrifted 
Bag: Kijiji


12/14/2013

Hello Winter!!

Hello everyone,
The snow has definitely hit my part of the world, and it is determined to leave nothing uncovered. Although the snow leaves everything looking so magical, having the strength and patience to leave the house and battle with it, is already getting harder to do. However, when I do manage to leave my home, my main concern is making sure I'm bundled up and warm. I easily wear 3-4 layers of clothing or more. A good tip for winter dressing is investing in items that can be used to layer underneath your shirts, pants, and other clothing. Some good examples are thick tights or leggings that will help you keep warm and look less bulky. When putting this outfit together, I layered a faux fur vest on top of a cardigan to keep warm and to play with texture. I'm also wearing black leggings underneath my black pants. Hope you enjoy this laid back winter look, and I shall be back very soon.
What are your go to winter items?

winter street style

winter street style
winter street style
winter street style

Lip Colour: Revlon Colorburst: Standout (205)
Outfit Information 
Hat: Blue Notes
Vest: Dynamite (similar here)
Cardigan: Thrifted
Pants: American Apparel (here)
Boots: thrifted
Scarf: thrifted
Bag: thrifted
12/11/2013

Christmas Gift Guide for Her and Him

Hello everyone!
Christmas is quickly approaching and if you are anything like me, you have yet to start your Christmas shopping or  are still  stumped on what to buy your loved ones. You could take the safe route and grab that gift card or you could continue to search for that perfect gift. Here is a quick  'for her' and 'for him' gift guide that may spark some inspiration. All the links are provided below which lead to the website with that exact item.

When shopping for women I find it kind of difficult. I tend to get distracted and end up buying for myself instead. I generally, try to stay away from clothing items except for things like pjs and robes because the fit for those items are pretty straight forward. 
This year, try looking for accessories such as umbrellas and jewellery, or try beauty or skin care products. Gift sets are also great, like the Benefit cosmetics one, which allows that person to enjoy several items than just one. I personally really love the Porefessional product that comes in this kit. I also just discovered the MaskerAide facial masks that are great stocking stuffers for someone who prefers eco-friendly, vegan, and paraben free products. Lastly, do not forget those tech savvy women, whose wish list may consist of an iPad, and other high tech devices. Hint! Hint! to my family and friends reading this post!

When shopping for men, I always find it easier and quite fun.There's only a few times per year that I get to head over to the men's department to discover what they have. The men in my family are pretty laid back and sizing is never an issue, so  I can look and make an educated guess. I was also notified of a brand called Bonobos that specializes in menswear and when I went to their website (click here); I was really impressed with their items. They do have store locations across the United States but they also offer shipping! When I went on their website there was an extensive gift guide that really helped me come up with some great gift ideas and can make the search for that perfect gift that much easier.

What are some of your go to gifts this Christmas season for the women and men in your lives?

Christmas gift guide for her

Christmas gift guide for him

Until Next time, 
Sincerely Miss J
12/06/2013

The Luxe Sweatshirt

Hello everyone!
Hope everyone is doing well, and that those who attended the Black Friday sales last week survived the frenzy.  I heard the crowds and lines were hectic as usual. Things have been hectic for me as well,  I had exams this week and last week, which took up a huge portion of my time. However, they are now finally over and I can breathe easy.
Today's outfit is all about the luxe sweatshirt. The luxe sweatshirt trended a lot in the fall season with major fashion houses releasing their own versions, such as Givenchy releasing their  Givenchy's Bambi luxe sweatshirt . The luxe sweatshirt is a more glamorous and chic take on the humble sweatshirt. When I first saw this sweater last year, I had to have it. The sweater is a cross between edgy with the spike accents and cute with the cat face design.
My apologies for missing this week's Thrift Thursday, but do check out the other participants; this week's theme was polka dots. I shall be back really soon with some exciting things to come, so please stay tuned!

The luxe sweatshirt

The luxe sweatshirt
The luxe sweatshirt
Please check out the other participants of Thrift Thursday and see how they rocked polka dots
Outfit Information
Blouse: Thrifted 
Sweatshirt: Mode Star
Pants: H&M
Heels: Thrifted 
Bag: Winners (DKNY)

@smissjblog