NYE outfit inspiration: the little black dress

It's New Years Eve and I thought I would squeeze one more post before 2015! For years I have spent NYE night either at church with my family or at home celebrating with family and friends. This year is no exception, and I will be at home with close family celebrating the New Year. However, I still wanted to create a last minute outfit for those of you who are looking for a minimalist NYE look.No sparkle, no glitter, no gold or silver but still glamorous.

Borrowed from the boys: Black and white holiday oufit

For the holidays, shades of black and white always seem so fitting on such festive occasions. For this look I once again borrowed from the boys to put together this black and white holiday outfit with a pop of red. Although the holidays are a very busy time of year, it should also be the time to let loose and experiment with different styles. I wanted to achieve a very androgynous look but this time played up the femininity in the details.

Forever 21 opens new store in Yorkdale Mall

As of December 20^th 2014 shoppers can now shop the trends of Forever 21 at Yorkdale Mall, Canada’s premier shopping center. The Forever 21 Yorkdale grand opening event was held on December 20th to unveil the massive new three-level store. Many Forever 21 fans, myself included enjoyed their opening day sale promotions and live brand entertainment. The popular actors Luke Bilyk and Alex Steele from Canada’s Degrassi: The Next Generation were also present for the ribbon cutting ceremony and to greet fans. 

The patterned suit

The patterned suit is a chic and daring  play on the traditional pant suit. It adds boldness and fun to an outfit that can otherwise be a bit uninspiring.
 I love the touch of muscularity and sophistication that pant suits bring to an outfit. That's why I had been on the search for more cute patterned suits to add to my closet. I found this funky plaid suit at Target!

The printed Jacket: Kaela Kay

Hello my name is Miss J and  I'm a workaholic. If I don’t have piles of things to do with  strict deadlines, then I feel completely lost. So, how strange has it been for me to be done exams, and have my schedule cleared for the next few weeks? Answer: very strange!

The camel coat

If you’ve not yet found the perfect winter coat or are looking to add more selection to your closet,  you may want to consider investing in a classic camel coat. 

 For a couple of seasons camel coats have been everywhere and I can understand why. The camel coat  goes well with everything imaginable and will stay with you for seasons to come. 
I personally love coats but this season I find  myself often reaching out for this pretty camel coat in a wool trench coat style.

Hat Crazy

Whether it's to shield yourself from the sun or keep yourself warm in the winter, hats are a must have during any season. Whether you choose to rock a baseball cap, fedora, or a beanie, a hat can complete any outfit.

Lately, I find myself often reaching for some kind of hat  to help battle the cold and to add additional interest to my outfits.

I decided in the spirit of the season to post a few of my favorite hat must-haves!

Still unsure what to give to those remaining on your holiday list?

A hat or maybe two may be a good option.

For the winter, warm head gear is essential to avoid freezing! Here are a few cute, practical, and causal  hats to battle the cold shown below.

Thigh high boots + A killer Poncho

The hunt for the perfect poncho has been a rough one but it's finally come to an end. Previously, when I did come across one, they were  either not to my liking or they were way too expensive. After finding this one I can now see what all the hype is all about over ponchos this season. 
My next "must find" item is the perfect cape coat and then I will be satisfied (wish me luck).

Shades of Grey

What do my skinny denim jeans, my sweater, and my faux fur vest all have in common? They all have some form of grey in them!

Youth Love Fashion, Toronto

It always melts my heart when I get an opportunity to support a project that helps someone’s vision come to life. What I love about fashion and styling is not only the chance to wear wonderful garments but the ability to express myself to the world, and speak to others without any verbal communication. So, how awesome would it be to design and build something from stretch and showcase your hard work to a bigger audience? Last month this group of young designers had the opportunity to find out.

color Infusion

I knew it would not be long until I ran back to color and patterns. Reviewing the last few outfit posts  I noticed that I have been in a neutral color palette mood wearing a lot of black, white, grey, and brown. However, recently I have been really craving some color and fun back into my wardrobe, hence why this outfit was created! The oranges, reds, and burgundies blended beautifully together
making it perfect for autumn.

The textured Skirt

Today on the blog  I'm "skirting" my way between autumn and winter with this outfit of the day. We had one single day of warmer than usual weather and I decided to engage in the task of wearing a skirt with bare legs. I paired this textured skirt with a simple  sweater, and white button up shirt.

The textured  skirt originally caught my eye because of it's subtle, intricate and embossed detailing. Although, I already owned a plain black skirt this one has proven to be more  versatile. The pattern and texture of the skirt can easily be worn to a causal, semi- causal, or a semi-formal event.

5 benefits to wearing hair extensions with Mane & More

Mane & More is a Canadian supplier of 100% human hair extensions sourced from around the world. Their selection process is thorough to ensure that the quality of the hair supplied is of great quality. They are committed to providing premium quality hair extensions for various hair textures at affordable prices.

Faux Fur Vest: A causal encounter

Cold weather is here to stay in Toronto! Unfortunately, even with the cold, errands must be completed, assignments must be handed in, and we all must go about our daily business. Even if staying in bed all day may seem like a better option. When we do venture out into the cold, it's tempting to wear jogging pants or PJs under our coats to stay warm and comfy but let's try really hard not to do that.

Black and white

Anytime I get lazy or uninspired to come up with some sort of outfit, I find myself gravitating to white and black. It's simple but chic and effortless, and sometimes we often need something effortless during our busy days. The outfit is easy to reproduce and can be worn to various occasions.
My favourite piece in this outfit was the black vest that I purchased at Reitmans some months ago. It's  one of my mother's favourite stores so when I spotted the goodies she brought home I had to make a trip myself. The store has really transformed into a really hip place to shop for causal and office wear in various sizes.

Gilding the Lily

I must admit I’m a total home body and as a result I have been really clueless about all the awesome things taking place in Toronto . Therefore, when the opportunity to attend a piecing party (ears only) at Gilding the Lily presented itself I was all for it. Gilding the Lily is a luxurious jewelry store located in Toronto’s historic and beautiful  Distillery District. I had never been to neither place so it was a great opportunity to get out, sight see and enjoy/play dress up with some beautiful jewelry.

Revamp your Coat: Belt it

As you may know I'm an avid thrift/vintage shopper. However, I'm extremely particular about which thrift stores I shop at and I find myself only going into the Salvation Army by my house. As a result, it's usually a hit or miss when it comes to the stuff I find. This time I scored big at a recent 50% off sale where I spotted this gorgeous grey 100% wool coat. Everything was perfect; the color, the length, the condition of the coat, and it was my size--except it gave me no shape.Because I'm a stubborn individual there was no way I was leaving without it, I was determined to make it work and make it a staple piece in my wardrobe. So I decided to belt it and suddenly all my problems went away.

fuse Gelnamel Review

Have you ever stumbled upon a product and was really curious on how it worked or if it truly did what it claimed to do? Well, when it came to the fuse gelnamel I was filled with curiosity and thought my readers would be too so I volunteered to try the product out.

The fuse gelnamel claims to combine the best of polish color + gel into an all-in-one formula. No separate base coat or top coat is needed.  With the help of the 30 second Fuse LED lamp, get your nails salon ready. The LED lamp can be used both for manicures and pedicures.

What comes in the starter kit: Fuse LED Lamp // Gel Cleanser // gelnamel // Lint-free Wipes // Double-sided Nail Buffer // Manicure Stick & Detailed Instruction Sheet

Pencil Midi Skirt

Are Midi skirts ever going away? My answer is I hope not. The fascination with the midi skirt  among  women of all shapes, sizes, and heights is truly  impressive, considering that sometimes this length is not always easy to wear.  The midi skirt stops anywhere from just below the knee to a few inches above the ankle. My guess is we love the midi skirt because it's versatile and offers endless styling options for any season.

The Autumn monochromatic look in burgundy

Autumn  fashion calls for awesome layers, rich colors, and fashionable accessories. In this look  I decided to play with the monochromatic trend once again but this time with the color burgundy.

Still trying to figure out the monochromatic look?  
TIP:  To pull of the monochromatic look successfully, try playing with different textures to create dimension and interest all while using a similar color palette .  I played with colored denim and a textured top in this scenario. To make the outfit even more interesting,  I decided to layer a patterned checkered blouse underneath the sweater that went perfectly with the rest of the outfit.

Jet Set Into Fall '14 with Revlon + Giveaway

This  season Revlon has put together some autumn makeup looks inspired by some of the most well known cities around the world including Shanghai, Paris, New York, London, and Stockholm. 

When it comes to makeup I have never been one to experiment with color. I tend to gravitate towards a neutral eye look and go wild with my signature red lip. On the less adventurous days I stick to a neutral lip gloss. 

I was challenged to recreate a makeup look inspired by the beautiful city of Shanghai, made up of rich autumn colors such as green, beige, and black. I wanted to create a look that I could wear on a daily bases and easily transition to night.

AjePomaa Skirt via Kuwala

Yes I did it again! I picked up my cobalt blue shift dress from a previous blog post (link here) and brought it back to life. This time I paired it with this gorgeous AjePomaa  skirt from Kuwala,  at first glance it seemed like an odd pairing. However, with the subtle hints of blue in this skirt it was a perfect match. 

TOMS supports World Sight Day on Oct. 9th

Fashion brand TOMS is reaching out to Canadians and individuals around the globe to take to social media on October 9^th in support of “World Sight Day” with the goal of raising awareness about blindness and various forms of visual impairment worldwide.

The subject of blindness and visual impairment is very close to my heart and I am excited to use this platform to spread the word. I would love to encourage you all to continue raising awareness, support and donate to your local organizations such as the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB). 

Examples of #GiveSight social media photos courtesy of TOMS

Want additional ways to get involved? TOMS Eye Wear and its Sight Giving model was launched in 2011 to help restore sight to individuals in need. With every purchase of TOMS sunglasses and optical frames, TOMS will provide an individual in need with prescription glasses, medical treatment or sight saving-surgery. To date TOMS has helped restore and improve the sight of over 200,000 men, women and children in 13 countries around the world. 

So do not forget to tweet, Instagram and do your part in spreading awareness about blindness and visual impairment on October the 9^th. Hashtag #GiveSight and #TOMSCanada and together we can shed light on an issue that affects many around us.  

Until Next Time,

Sincerely Miss J

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Patterns with EShakti

Today I’m rocking the pretty tulip print custom fit dress from eShatki. If you are an avid reader of blogs, a social media addict or a blogger yourself you have probably heard or read reviews concerning this company.

Monochromatic look with Forest green

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the monochromatic look? Although, I do have a sincere soft spot for a vibrant pattern here or there, I always enjoy simplicity.

Four Tips to help Transition into Fall with Kuwala Inc

  Today it's all about transitional fashion--specifically for the transition from summer to fall. Although there are only a few days left of summer, it's felt like fall here for some weeks now. Since reality has not yet hit me, I still have been wearing some of my favorite summer pieces with a few tweaks here and there.

Playing with Camouflage print

    

It appears that camouflage print is making a comeback during this Fall season or at least in my world it is! For those of you who don't know what camouflage print is, it's the print that is often associated with the army.However, today it's the  focal point in this outfit.

Mixing Prints

Mixing Prints can be difficult and overwhelming for some. However, the end result if done right has the potential to translate into a wonderful work of art, and add an  extra "wow" factor to any outfit. 

For today's outfit I decided to salute the last few weeks of summer with a vibrant play on prints. 

The Zebra Print Blazer

I love the simplicity and freshness of wearing black and white. I also admire those individuals who have the creativity to wear these two shades exclusively in all their outfits and still make it look new and exciting. For me, I always need a little pop of color in my life. 

African Fashion Week Toronto 2014

Photo Credit: smissj designer Kadeem Faustin

African Fashion Week; an explosion of colors, unconventional silhouettes, and the fearless ability to mix different materials and patterns. These are just some of the things to expect if you ever get a chance to attend any African Fashion Week. If fashion is a type of expression and a form of art to you,  you will definitely appreciate this post.

Tweed Blazer & Faux Leather Shorts in the Summer?

Greetings everyone! I know I have been a bad blogger lately by disappearing on you guys.Unfortunately, I needed some time to focus on work, and to review some course material before the start of the new school year.
Today's outfit post is a bit of a strange one. It incorporates some unconventional fabric choices that are usually a no-no in the Summer months. However, here in Toronto last week was feeling more like late September with cooler than usual temperatures. Therefore, pairing a tweed blazer with faux leather shorts in the Summer seemed appropriate.

Denim Jacket & Sequin Skirt

Today's outfit is a causal look with a kick. Ever thought to pair a causal denim jacket with a glamorous sequin skirt? Well now you can! 
The look is perfect for an afternoon lunch on some gorgeous patio or strolling through exhibits at your local museum. The denim jacket and sequin skirt combo was created in an effort to wear this Express skirt more. The best part is the skirt can easily be utilized for a night time look.

Radiant like the SunSet

When it comes to planning outfits for any type of media event I always feel an added pressure to look the part. I'm not a stylist but just a woman who loves the art of putting looks together. However, the title "personal style blogger" can make you feel like people expect a lot from you in terms of your ability to constantly have something "stylish to wear".

When I was first brainstorming outfit ideas for this year's African Fashion Week Toronto event, I was completely lost on what to wear. I quickly realized that sometimes you need to think outside the box, take personal risks, and stay true to yourself.

The Cobalt blue dress

The color cobalt blue is known for being a very electrifying color. If you are the kind of person that merely wants to blend into the crowd, then this color is definitely not for you. Cobalt blue is also a color that I have never been in love with and have never owned until now.

The informal Tuxedo Dress

It's a great feeling when you find a hidden treasure, and that awesome feeling hit me the other day when I found this informal tuxedo dress at the thrift store. I call it an informal tuxedo dress because it has a similar silhouette as an actually tuxedo dress but the finishing and fabric are very causal.

Guest Post: How To Wear Patterns and Prints

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Myafrofashion.com is a global fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog based in Canada showcasing an interesting niche of African-inspired fashion from across the globe. Today she gives you the low down on how to wear patterns and prints.

Floral pants

These floral pants have been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe for a long time!

Although I have worn these floral pants numerous times, they never seem to bore me. My hunch is that this is due to the numerous colors that one can pull from them. Pinks, blues, green and oranges, as well as neutrals such as black and white, keep the pants visually interesting and suitable for frequent wear.   

Guest Post: Blackberry, Banana, Mango & Dragon Fruit Smoothie

Photo by Tiffany

I hope you guys are enjoying your summer. Today we have a tasty and exotic recipe to help cool you down amidst the hot and humid weather. Blackberry, banana, mango and dragon fruit--oh my, what a combination! The lovely Tiffany from Little black Pearls shares another delightful recipe!
I'm also back to fully blogging at home on my desktop computer, rather than on my android phone. Attention, bloggers: do not try to blog with your phone because you can't really see what you're writing. Not to fret; more posts are on the way (no more getaways to the middle of nowhere for a while)! Without further ado, enjoy this tasty treat and let me know what you thought of it.
 

This recipe serves 2.

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas

1 mango

½ cup of blackberries

½ dragon fruit

Lots of ice (about a tray full)

Optional: honey (if you find it's not sweet enough)

Using a blender, blend all the chopped up ingredients together until you get a thick velvety smoothie. That's it! Consume immediately.

Tiffany's Tips: "This is the easiest and healthiest way to make a good smoothie -- pure fruit and nothing else! The trick is to use frozen bananas, it thickens it up nicely. As such, I always like to have a few frozen bananas on hand. When ripe, peel and cut up some bananas into large chunks, throw them in a Ziploc bag and toss in the freezer. It lasts for a while and is good for making smoothies and ice cream."

Please check out Tiffany's blog Little black Pearls

Until next time, 
Sincerely Miss J  

Let's Stay Connected 

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Express Zebra print Skirt

The word "practical" never crossed my mind when I was purchasing this zebra print skirt from Express Clothing. However, if you follow me on Instagram at smissjblog, you may have known that I had been lusting over it for a few months after I first spotted it at the Express Clothing's Spring/Summer preview. My initial thoughts were, "how gorgeous, how dainty, but how edgy at the same time!" 
I coveted this skirt for awhile before I decided to splurge.I thought, if it’s not practical for me,can I make it practical? Can I rock the heck out of this skirt so that it becomes a basic and classic item in my closet? Do I feel pretty, and confident in it? The answer was definitely yes, so I went for it!!

Ultimately, the skirt won me over with its classic zebra print pattern, its great fit and perfect length. The plus side was that it did not overwhelm my short frame. 
I paired the skirt with this unique cross over style crop top. This added more interest to the outfit without competing with the pattern in the skirt. Another option is adding a shawl or a jacket as a cover up during those cooler evenings or nights if you wish to recreate the look.The skirt can be paired with numerous colored accessories and tops to create numerous outfit options

Hope you enjoyed the post

Until Next time, 

Sincerely Miss J

Outfit Information

Top: Garage Clothing here// Skirt: Express here // Heels: Zara // Purse:Borrowed (friend)

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