My Style

One of the most challenging things for me to do is to try to explain my style. It's a question I get asked a lot, and I always do a lot of "umming and ahhing." The problem is, my style is completely mood-based. I can flip from quasi-boho (I can never succeed in pulling off full-on boho), trendy, edgy, and preppy classic all in a matter if hours. It's rare that I actually change clothes throughout the day though. Usually I make myself stick to one....or two if I have evening plans!

Despite my fluctuating style, a look I gravitate towards a lot is casual with an edge.... often acheived by the addition of leather.

 

Details:

Jacket: Danier (Halifax)

Sweater: Old Navy (Halifax)

Pants: Lucky Brand (Toronto)

Booties: Gap Factory Store (Halifax)

Belt: Gap (Halifax)

Scarf: Joe Fresh (Truro)

Headband: J Crew (San Francisco)

Bracelets: Forever 21 (San Francisco)

Earrings: Gift

 

I had to show a close-up of this cute headband. I'm sure it will be in high rotation during the holidays.



Can't believe this was only $7. Nothing is ever $7 at J Crew....

I'm linking up with longdistanceloving again for My Friday's Fancies. The theme this week is "Express Yourself".... hence all the above reflections on how I define my style.

Can you define your own style if you were asked to?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Eye Experiment

Disclaimer: I am not great at make-up application.

I saw this eye tutorial in the November Issue of Glamour and decided to try it out.... and take pictures along the way for everyone's amusement.

I don't have a professional camera, so these shots aren't that clear. Knowing nothing about lighting sure doesn't help either.



Here's the instructions (Glamour, Nov. 2012)

Step 1: The lightest color from my Stila eye shadow trio in Gold Glow was what I used all over the lid.

 

 

 

Step 2: I used MAC eyeshadow in Embark in the crease.

 

 

 

Steps 3 and 4 I lined my eyes with MAC eyeliner in Phone Number.

 

 

 

Step 5: White eyeliner wasn't to be found in my makeup bag, so I used the closest thing I had - Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz. This isn't a color I would have chosen to purchase. It was part of a Sephora gift set.

 

 

 

Step 6: I used Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express mascara in Blackest Black (why do they spell "volume" that way???). I wouldn't purchase this again. It flakes.

 

 

Here's the end result.

 

 

 



The lighter of the eyeliners wasn't very visible (and didn't show up at all in the photos). I might pick up a true white eyeliner and try this look again.

CREEPY!

Yes, I know I'm bad at lining and using mascara on the bottom lashes. I never do it, so therefore I am completely inept.

I'm sure no one from Sephora is going to hunt me down to be their newest make-up artist, but this task was kind of fun and I may do another one sometime in the future. It's a good excuse to try different looks.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Glymm November 2012

I love the snakeskin texture of the black bag this month!

Lys Parisien Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Balm

I've used these twice since they arrived, and I can honestly say they are an excellent hair product. I'm a big fan of argan oil but had never tried it in shampoo form.  You can see from the picture that not a lot of product is gone from the bottles (picture taken after two uses), so I think I'll get at least 15 uses out of these. They make my hair really soft, and I can get three days between washings easily with them.

The New Black nailpolish

I'm such a fan of mini nailpolishes. I have a shoebox that is FULL of nailpolish, and I can sneak in the tiny ones without overflowing it. I haven't tried this on my nails yet, but it looks like a  vibrant tomato red that will be nice for the holidays.

Dirt Sweet + Spicy Sugar Scrub

Body scrubs are always welcome in my shower as I often use sunless tanners and need to get the old tan off. This is the second sample of Dirt I've received from Glymm. I admit I haven't tried either one-  not because I don't want to - I'm trying to use up some Body Shop stuff first.

The Beehive -  Honey Blossom

This is a soft and sweet scent that is great for everyday wear. I'm not loyal to a particular perfume and I like to mix things up, so I really like perfume samples.

Glymm has impressed me this month! I'll probably purchase the shampoo and conditioner to have in addition to my usual Redken Extreme.

If you'd like to sign up for the monthly Glymm treats, please use my link below. They make fabulous and unique Christmas gifts that continue to give after the holidays. There's a Glymm Man line for the fellas too!

http://www.glymm.com/share/jennifermerlin

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Black Friday Fashion

Happy day-after-Thanksgiving to all my American readers! I hope you're all stuffed, content, and getting some amazing deals in the stores.

Canada has joined in with the Black Friday sales (to try to keep the dollars on this side of the border). They are happening all weekend for the most part, and I plan on doing some Christmas shopping with my mom.

Details:

Cardigan: Kensie (Margolians, Truro)

Shirt: Forever 21 (San Francisco)

Jeans: Calvin Klein (Costco, Halifax)

Boots: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Bag: H&M (Halifax)

Necklace: (American Eagle Outfitters, Halifax)

Earrings: Gift

Bracelets: Macy's (San Francisco)

Isn't my bag quirky? I had a strange attraction to it when I saw it at H&M and the attraction grew stronger when I saw the $10 red sticker on it. It has room for lots of things, and it can convert to a crossbody.

I'm linking with longdistanceloving today, so the fact that I'm wearing this shade is no coincidence. She asked us to put together a black outfit for Black Friday. I can't wait to see what the other bloggers come up with!

Please gloat to me about your deals! I love hearing about all the shopping fun!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Past the Pastel Season

No boys (and you know who you are....), these are not my pyjamas.

Details:

Sweater: American Eagle Outfitters (Halifax)

Shirt: Gap (Halifax)

Jeans: Mossimo at Target (San Francisco)

Boots: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Necklace: Forever 21 (LA)

Bracelet: Suzy Shier (Truro)

The colors in this outfit aren't exactly fall-ish, but I hope I pulled it together and made it look winter cozy and not like sleeping attire.

These skinnies were a great way to dip my toes in the floral jeans pool without breaking the bank on a perhaps fleeting trend.

Do you think floral and printed denim are going to stick around?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

So You Like Owls?

Owls, sparrows, and birds of all sorts have been making an appearance in my wardrobe over the past few seasons.

Details:

Vest: Zara Kids (San Francisco)

Sweater and hat: Smart Set (Halifax)

Tank: Zara (NYC)

Cords: MOTO (Margolians, Truro)

Owl necklace: Forever 21 (South Portland)

Bird necklace: American Eagle Outfitters (Halifax)

Shoes: Miz Mooz (Town Shoes, Toronto)

Bracelets: Macy's (San Francisco)

Why the owls? I'm not sure... I had a scary owl encounter once. I was driving with my friend Jen to my other friend Jen's wedding (yes, three Jens), when a huge owl swooped down from the sky and flew about a foot in front of my windshield. I'm pretty sure he was big enough to crash right through the glass of my brand new car had we hit him. We were stunned speechless for a few minutes, but no owls were harmed that day.

Other animals I'm drawn to are alpacas, giraffes, kangaroos, dogs with squished faces (especially french bulldogs and pugs), and potbellied pigs. Perhaps I owned a zoo in a former life.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Autumn Treats

Do you ever have wardrobe recycling regrets? Have you ever wanted to climb into the giant mailbox of a donation bin and rescue your item?

 

This skirt was almost a giveaway regret. It was thiiiis close to being donated, but then I had a change of heart. Why would I give this away? Let me count the reasons:

 

1) It's seven years old.

2) The thing is so lightweight that the slightest wind sends it skyward (note to self: wear cute undies).

3) I hadn't worn it in over a year.

 

Why did I save it?

 

1) I have a crazy emotional connection to it because I bought it in Australia.

2) It IS cute.

3) The cardigan acts like an anchor, keeping it on my thighs where it belongs.

 

 

 

Details:

Skirt: One Teaspoon  (somewhere in Sydney, Australia, 2005)

Shirt: Kersh (Moments, Truro)

Cardigan: Dynamite (Halifax)

Belt: Forever 21 (South Portland)

Leggings: Gift

Necklace: H&M (San Francisco)

Boots: Steve Madden (Toronto)

Polka dots are my favorite manicure!

I'm linking up with longdistanceloving for another Fridays Fancies post on autumn treats. What expensive bakery did this big boy come from?

Viola.... the Superstore cupcake in Triple Chocolate. I snagged this sweetness for a mere $2. It was worth all 200 pennies and then some. I classify this as an all season treat, not just for autumn. I have yet to get a Starbucks red cup (I'll have to remedy that soon...)

What are some of your favorite fall treats?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Novel-Tea: Part 15

Happy Hump Day!

Isn't November a fabulous month for reading? Holiday season isn't quite upon us yet, and it's too cold to be doing a whole lot outdoors -the perfect opportunity to curl up on the couch with a good book. Keep reading to find out one of my recent favorites!


I get a lot of my outfit inspiration from other bloggers. I really love the look of a blazer and a white shirt, but it's not the kind of thing I often feel like wearing. The occasions when I do should be immortalized in a photo.

Details:

Blazer- Ann Taylor (Wrenthem)

Shirt: Smart Set (Toronto)

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (Century 21 kids section, NYC)

Necklace: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

Bracelet: Suzy Shier (Truro)

Watch: Guess (Vancouver)

Shoes: DV Dolce Vita (Macy's, San Francisco)

When I was in San Francisco I had a fantasy of buying Frye boots, but I didn't see a pair I fell in love with. These shoes were love at first sight! I really wanted a cap toe flat and I like the stud detail.


Vanilla Orchid is a recent release from DAVIDsTEA, and I love how delicate the flavour is. It's a sweet oolong and a pleasant break from the in-your-face tastes I usually go for.


I enjoyed reading Where We Belong while sipping on my Vanilla Orchid. I always look forward to a new read by Emily Giffin. She's the author that (in my dreams) I'd love to be compared to someday. Her books flow so well, and while the endings are expected, the journey there is always a surprise.

Where We Belong is a story told from the perspective of two people- a woman who chose to give her child for adoption and the eighteen year old daughter who finds her biological mom.




Have you read anything fantastic lately? Keep the recommendations coming!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Fernet About It

How sad... my last post of my recent San Francisco holiday. I know we'll return - one of my favorite friends lives there, and R is crazy for the local sports scene.

I logged a crazy amount of shopping time in the city, and I highly recommend staying in Union Square for its proximity to the shops.

Here's a comfy outfit that got me through an entire day of shopping (and a raging hangover courtesy of Declan and his Fernets).

Details

Shirt: American Eagle Outfitters Outlet (Kittery)

Jeans: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

Boots: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Scarf: American Apparel (Halifax)

Watch: Guess (Vancouver)

Earrings: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Our Hotel - Grand Hyatt

Embarcadero. Close to the Ferry Building

Alcatraz Tour

Golden Gate

Gotta love Macy's



Fernet- the unofficial drink of San Fran. Enjoyed a few at Vesuvio's.

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

 

 



 

Can We Chat About Uniqlo?

Uni-WHAT??

UNIQLO. Amazing store. Just opened in San Francisco. The world needs more of these (except perhaps Asia, since Asia already has tons of them).

I was overwhelmed by this store. It's an odd place... they don't carry a ton of styles. However, they styles they do carry can be bought in every color of the rainbow. I deeply regret not buying more stuff here. Sadly, they don't ship to Canada. Bummer. There are a few stores in NYC, and if all goes as planned, I'll be there for a little holiday in about a year from now and I can buy to my heart's VISA's delight.

Details:

Cardigan: Forever 21 (San Francisco)

Pants: Uniqlo (San Francisco)

Tank: Mexx (for $2 at Crimson Clover, Halifax)

Shoes: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Bag: Coach (Toronto)

Belt: Dynamite (Halifax)

Necklace: Forever 21 (LA)

Bracelets: Gift and random boutique in St. John's

 

 

I wore this out for dinner on our last night in San Francisco. We went to The Cheesecake Factory (surprise, surprise... we should own stocks...).

These Uniqlo pants are amazing! They have pockets in the back so they look like jeans, but they're a thick polyester/cotton/spandex (yes, I checked the label). I originally bought these for work, but they're way too nice to get covered in hospital germs. At $20 (yes, that's right) I probably should have bought more colors since there were about thirty to choose from (dumb dumb dumb me). Sigh.

A super-sweet girl in the lobby of our hotel stopped me to ask where I got everything I was wearing... thank you super-sweet girl, and I hope you're reading this!

I'm linking with longdistanceloving for her post on what to wear to a bonfire. OK.... so perhaps I wouldn't wear this to a bonfire, so I'm playing the "all posts are welcome" card. Just in case you want to know what I actually wear to bonfires - the ugliest and warmest clothes I own, because if my good clothes got singed, I'd flip out.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Spot the Classic

There's something refreshing about wearing an easy outfit with simple accessories. Don't get me wrong, I love playing with textures, layers, and hosting the occasional arm party, but sometimes easy is the way to go.

What do they call that? Oh yeah, classic.

Details:

Shirt: H&M (San Francisco)

Jeans: Calvin Klein (Costco, Halifax)

Shoes: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Bracelets: Forever 21 (San Francisco)

Necklace: Gift

My hair is a little darker for the fall (thanks Karrie), and I'm playing around with multicolored nails.

What have you been wearing on your nails lately? Please let me know if there are any must-have new colors for fall (not that I need any more....)

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Now for Napa

I've been a lover of wine ever since I spent a year in Australia. Until then, I could take it or leave it. Being immersed in a country where wine is a major part of the culture was perfect for opening my eyes to what wines I love (white and sweet), what wines I could learn to love (most reds), and what wines I don't care for (sorry chardonnay).

Imagine my excitement to visit one of the most popular wine regions in the world- Napa Valley, California!

I want this owl for my yard

Details:

Blazer: Ann Taylor (Wrentham)

Tee: American Apparel (Vancouver)

Jeans: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

Boots: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Scarf: Gap (Halifax)

Necklace: Gift, Tiffany & Co.

Sunnies: Coach (South Portland)

Bag: Coach (Toronto)

Robert Mondavi

The scenery was stunning, and the weather was super hot. I was wearing clothes totally unsuitable for 30 degree plus temperatures.

We did a day trip on a bus that took us to four wineries, and it was a great way to visit the region for the first time. When we go back, I think we'll drive ourselves and stay overnight in the area. We visited Robert Mondavi, Folie a Deux, Franciscan Estate, and Andretti. The wines we tasted were delicious - my personal favorite was the Moscato at Robert Mondavi.

Mad props to Joe Fresh for making a pair of fabulous red jeans that remained comfortable for the whole day, even in sweltering heat.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The Mint Knit

Mint is such a fun color! I like that it wasn't left behind with the change of seasons.

I'm linking up again with longdistanceloving for My Friday Fancies for a post on fall sweaters

Details:

Sweater: H&M (San Francisco)

Scarf: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Boots: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Jeans: Buffalo by David Bitton (Toronto)

Glasses: D&G

Bracelets: Gift, Macy's (San Francisco)

I may try pairing this top with corduroy sometime soon. It looks so simple to make... maybe I'll start knitting... yeah right! 

XOXO
Glitterary Girl