let's play music, which is one of my favourite games..

I've recently discovered that shopping for accessories is not my forte. After standing in front of a daunting wall of satin ribbons, feathers and mesh flowers for 30+ minutes, everything begins to blend together and I eventually give up and leave the store feeling frustrated and completely unproductive. And being the most indecisive person on the planet does not exactly help my case. It quickly became apparent that my method of aimlessly sauntering into a store and expecting the perfect headband or pair of earrings to scream my name or emit an attention-grabbing beam of light was not exactly realistic. Soo, I have now learned to not even attempt the accessory scene without first doing some serious research. Now when I walk into a boutique I have a solid idea of what it is I am looking for. This has really cut down on the amount of time wasted and negative energy spent humming and hawing over mediocre pieces that will be worn once and then forgotten forever. Instead, I am continuously searching for and seeking out unique statement pieces that will take an otherwise plain ensemble to the next level for years to come. Here are some of my favs to date. Enjoy!

business casual

Working in the healthcare field, I often find it difficult to find the perfect balance between trendy, professional and practical. While I understand that it would neither be feasible nor appropriate to prance around the hospital in strappy stilettos and a high-waisted mini, I also refuse to lose myself in a sea of baggy trousers and unflattering scrubs. Bottom line: I want to be able to do my job comfortably, gain the respect of my clients and still manage to look cute in the process. Thus, I have devised my personal list of fashion do's and don'ts for the workplace. Keep in mind, I work in healthcare and not a business-type setting where high-end pant suits and heels would be considered appropriate. 


DO:

• Choose simple jewellery. Chandelier earrings and "jingly-jangly" bangles can be distracting. 
• Try on a cardigan for size. When a blazer is not suitable, a cardigan will become your best friend. Show off a bit of your wild side with bright colours and interesting prints while still maintaining your professional persona.
• Invest in a cute, comfortable pair of flats. Forget about risking the safety of yourself and your clients by donning a pair of slippery soles.
• Stay polished. Keep your hair neat, your clothes free from wrinkles and your nails well-kept (no chipped polish!).
• Buy pieces that are easy to mix and match. And don't forget to throw in a splash of colour.
• Look for that little something extra. Ribbons, bows and other embellishments can add pizazz to an otherwise average ensemble.   

DON'T:

• Show cleavage..on top or bottom.
• Overdo it with large, showy labels. You may sacrifice essential trust and rapport-building with clients and colleagues. 
• Be overly scandalous. Avoid lace and sheer fabrics. 
• Be too casual. Even on "casual day". For instance, destroyed or acid wash jeans are never appropriate in the workplace. 

Soo I scoured the Internet to find a few pieces that I think are functional, respectable, affordable and tres stylish. Enjoy!

GAP

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Banana Republic

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

American Eagle

American Eagle

American Eagle

Banana Republic

GAP

What I'm Craving ATM

Shorts! Yes, I am aware that it is indeed the dead middle of Canadian winter. However, I adore thicker, fitted shorts with tights or thigh highs and a pair of killer boots. You can play with textures too. Anything from wool to jacquard to lace. Here are a few that caught my eye. Perfection!

Test 1,2...

And so begins my first official blogging escapade. I've always had a knack for fashion. Not the high-strung "ohhh, who are you wearing" kind, but the raw, authentic kind that tells a unique story and leaves people wanting to know more. So much can be conveyed to the world simply by the way we present ourselves. And I 100% agree with the "don't judge a book by it's cover"spiel, I think that is part of the reason why fashion is so thrilling to me. To know that I can wake up one day looking like the first lady and the next looking like Courtney Love just by playing with colours and textures is a beautiful thing. Anyhow, because it's difficult to pursue any type of career in fashion in a town where camouflage pants and rubber boots are considered formal attire, I decided to record my thoughts and ideas in a blog, make them somewhat tangible and share them with whomever might be interested. I will post whatever strikes my fancy at the moment, whether it be photos, articles, websites or health and wellness information. So here's to my first blog!