Double Denim for the Win!

When you're part of the blogging world, you encounter lots of contests and giveaways. It's kind of impossible to sign up for everything you come across, so I only do the easier ones to sign up for and the ones where I really really really want the prize. Hash-tagging a photo on Twitter is one of the easier ways I've ever entered a contest, and this time I was lucky!

Remember this gem from last month?

I used #stylicity to enter a contest with MasterCard Canada (the ones who sponsor World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto). They were looking for a Canadian Tux photo, which I just happened to already have...

A week later, I got the great news that I won! I've kept sort of quiet about it as I wanted them to announce it on social media first. Trust me, it was hard not to blab on the blog! Check me out on the MasterCard Stylicity page, in the Twitter feed on the right.

Thanks so much MasterCard Canada for letting me buy a new DSLR camera (or four...) with no reservations! It makes up for me not getting to attend fashion week due to my own poor planning!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Speaking to my Shoes

Details

Blazer: Banana Republic Factory Store

T-Shirt: American Eagle Outfitters

Jeggings: Guess

Sneakers: Skechers

Necklace: Forever 21

Earrings: Le Chateau

Dear Wedge Sneakers,

When I bought you, I was so excited. I know you are not of the famous and expensive Isabel Marant variety, but you were affordable for me and cute.

I vowed to wear you all the time, but lately I have been drawn to dressier pieces. I'm sorry you have been sitting in the closet for so long, lonely and footless. It's not because I don't love you. You're one of those items I get excited to wear because you're still a novelty to me.

You look great with jeggings and I'm super-pumped to style you with my faux leather pants.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Everything is Lighter

Have you ever had anything really big going on in your life, and then a certain event happens, things feel like they are settling down, and you feel a bit of weight off your shoulders?

Saturday was that day for me.

Not that it was "my event" per se.... but R had the open house for his new dental clinic and now that the clinic is open, that stress of "opening" is gone for him.

I decided to match my hair to my mood and went for a lighter all over look with a ton of blond foils.

Details

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: Costa Blanca

Boots: H&M

Necklace and bracelet: Gift

Earrings: Park Lane Jewelry

It was so wonderful to see many friends and members of the community come out and support R and his new business. The open house was a really fun afternoon, and we topped off the day with a dinner at The Bicycle Thief with the office manager and his wife who also happen to be our very close friends.

Much love and congrats go out to R and his wonderful new beginning!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

How to Dress for Serious Shopping: Black Friday

There are average shopping days when you might be able to pull off wearing cute heeled boots, and then there are days like Black Friday where you must dress for comfort at all costs. This week's Friday's Fancies challenge was to come up with an outfit to withstand the chaos that this shopping day inevitably brings.

Black Friday started as an American idea - massive sales the day after Thanksgiving to get everyone going with their Christmas shopping. The custom has trickled into Canada over the past few years, in hopes that big sales north of the border would keep Canadians from traveling out of country to shop.

Details

Sweatshirt: Old Navy

Pants: Uniqlo

Scarf: American Apparel

Bag: Coach

Boots: Call it Spring

Earrings: Gift

I hate wearing a jacket while shopping (too bulky) so I chose a sweatshirt and cozy circle scarf which should keep a girl warm enough to leave the coat in the car (provided it is an indoor mall shopping experience). The crossbody bag means hand-free access to grab-worthy finds. Flat boots keep the feet happier than heels. Jewelry was kept to a minimum in case the sales were good enough to require quick changing - in addition to gifts, Black Friday is also a great time to snag the items on your list that can't wait for Santa, like holiday dresses and sparkly tops.

Stop by to see what the other bloggers chose for their shopping attire!

Good luck next week for those of you who will be heading out to brave the Black Friday crowds. Here in Halifax, the Big Black Bow event will be happening at Halifax Shopping Center! I know where I'll be at lunchtime...

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The New Blue Wall

For those of you who are sick of seeing the fake tree in our living room as the backdrop for blog photos on rainy days, you'll like this post. Since Timberlea Dental Centre is now open (yay), there are a few "future use" rooms that have no dental equipment ... but they do have freshly painted blank walls.

I'm still playing around with the new camera, trying to figure out lighting and all that complicated stuff. Bear with me for the shadows. The first photo is natural light only and the second is with natural plus overhead lights.

Details

Blazer: Banana Republic via Crimson Clover

Shirt: Zara

Jeans: Target

Hat: Le Chateau

Shoes: BCBGeneration via Winners

Bracelets: Gifts

Earrings: American Eagle Outfitters

This was my consolation t-shirt, bought in Toronto the day Mastercard Fashion Week began, which was the day I left. Note to self: check out what's going on and when before you book plane tickets.

The last phrase is so me.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Holiday Beauty Sets

I love the amazing holiday sets that stores have out right now. The deals are fabulous and it allows you access to a ton of products without breaking the bank. I'll share a few of my favorite sets with you, and maybe Santa will stash them under your tree!

Sephora Lash Stash

Buying mascara is always frustrating for me, because it's expensive and I always end up throwing it out when there is still a lot of product left. I actually prefer sample sized mascaras as I like the tiny wands and I don't feel wasteful as I finish the tube before it's time to throw it away (which is every two months FYI). This set would last me easily over a year.

MAC Stroke of Midnight Brush Set

MAC brushes are so great! I bought mine TEN years ago in a holiday set and they are still going strong! I like the holiday sets for brushes because they are more compact than the regular brushes and they come in a great case that is a good size for travel. The holiday brush sets are an amazing value - especially when you compare to how much the full sized brushes are bought separately.

The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle gift

I've been buying a lot of stuff from The Body Shop lately. I received the Ginger Sparkle body butter last year, and it's such an amazing winter scent... spicy and fresh at the same time. The Body Shop is constantly having sales. If something you want isn't on sale, just wait a few days, seriously.

Happy shopping... and have fun building your own wishlist!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Plaid is Back

I knew I shouldn't have gotten rid of that kilt... hmmm.... maybe it's still in an old Halloween costume bag... Mom?

Plaid is everywhere again. At first (like in September) I thought plaid was going to mostly make an appearance in accessories - but no - it's all over the place in pants, coats, shirts, you name it! I've always had a thing for plaid and I'm not sure if there's a time when there hasn't been at least one plaid shirt taking up residence in my closet (I'm Canadian, you know).

This shirt was a Winners find in Vancouver. When I moved there in April 2011, I mistakenly thought the presence of cherry blossoms meant heat (not so much) and I didn't pack much in the way of warm clothes. Thanks goodness I lived around the corner from one of the best shopping districts in Canada.

Details

Vest: Zara Kids

Shirt: Vans via Winners

Skirt: Club Monaco

Boots: Steve Madden

Leggings: Gift

Necklace: Bondi Markets, Australia

These are my first photos with my DSLR, and as you can see, I have much to learn. Like, how to get the camera to focus on me instead of what's behind me (hi, neighbours). If you're reading this and have some advice, please help, or I may have to make a scarecrow version of myself as a stand-in.

This fella lives with us. Isn't he handsome?

Stop by and see what the other bloggers have come up with for Friday's Fancies. Pretty in Plaid is the theme!

I'm hosting a Stella & Dot trunk party tonight! I'll be sure to blog about it soon.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

End of an Era

These are likely the last photos you will see on Glitterary Girl that are taken with a point and shoot camera. Thank goodness, you say? Me too. 

Details

Cardigan: H&M

Shirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes: Target

Bracelet: Suzy Shier

Earrings: Gift

I wore a similar version of this outfit a few weeks ago in Toronto, but was having too much fun to bother with blog pics. I really like this top. There are so many colors in it that it goes with almost anything. I love a good re-mix piece.

As excited as I am to post photos from my new camera, a fabulous camera does not automatically make the photographer fabulously talented. How sad. So please bear with me as I learn my way around the new toy. Let's hope for a brighter and sharper future, starting next post!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The Sunday Currently: 11/10/13

Currently . . . 

Reading: Actually more like devouring, Revenge Wears Prada, the long long long awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada which is one of my very favorite books (and movies). These novels are chick-lit at its prime. Perfect for a long weekend!

Writing: Lists of things I need to pick up for my Stella and Dot trunk show this Friday evening. 

Listening: Right now, to The Social playing in the background (Justin Bieber went to a brothel...). There are many of these backed up on my DVR. I'm also in love with the Songza playlist called Every Summer Dance Party.

Thinking: That perhaps my timing for the Stella and Dot party was a bit off considering this is probably the busiest week EVER in our household and I currently have massive piles of office supplies all over the living room. Maybe the Costco size toilet tissue packs can be used for extra seating! R is opening his dental clinic -check out the website for Timberlea Dental Centre.

Smelling: A perfume sample that I rubbed on my wrists this morning- Guess Girl. I like it!

Wishing: For things to slow down at work, I love my job, but things have been really really over-the-top busy. If I could have a slow week to catch up, that would be amazing.

Hoping: That I make it back to eat at The Stubborn Goat soon! R and I went last night for a much needed chilled-out meal with another couple and it was amazing! The food, menu, service, and atmosphere was perfect. I had the mushroom pizza and it was so yummy. The truffle salt fries are scrumptious too! 

Wearing: Jeggings, a tunic, a belt, a fun scarf (thanks Emma!), and casual jewelry.

Loving: That I finally bought myself a DSLR camera! I picked up a Canon Rebel T3 about an hour ago and I'm going to play with it tomorrow. Perhaps this is the start of a great hobby!

Wanting: To catch up on Grey's Anatomy. Maybe I'll do that tonight! I also want this striped tunic that would look great with my new faux leather leggings.

Zara

Needing: To fix the state of my house... before Friday! Here's hoping tomorrow is a productive day considering there are no stores open and therefore a perfect day to organize and clean.

Feeling: Excited about my new camera!

Clicking: Here's a shout-out to one of my favorite blogs - Kendi Everyday. I blog-stalk her constantly. She's got great style, and her writing is so witty. 

Check out the other Sunday Currently posts at the blog siddathornton.

Don't forget to observe a moment of silence tomorrow in respect for our veterans. 

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Not Your Grandma's Sweater

Mixed media items are my absolute favorite trend this fall. Playing with different textures can take a boring outfit to fabulous!

I can see this outfit being great for an early December get-together. You know that awkward time when it's not quite the season for serious sparkle but you want to look casually polished?

Not Your Grandma's Sweater by jennifer-merlin featuring snakeskin boots

3.1 Phillip Lim black leather sweater, $265 / 7 For All Mankind skinny leg jeans / Marc Jacobs snakeskin boots / J.Crew purple purse / AllSaints earrings / H&M loop scarf, $16 / Butter London lip treatment / Essie nail polish, $18


When you're wearing clothing sans color, it's fun to add some brightness in the form of accessories or products. This clutch is so cute - I love the studs!


Click on the link below to see how other bloggers decided to run with this week's theme on Friday's Fancies: The Sweater.

It made me smile when I titled this post, because I actually do wear my Grandma's sweater all the time. It doesn't have leather sleeves, but it'll always be cool in my books <3

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

That Piece That Goes with Everything

 Do you own a piece of clothing that just seems to look good with so many things? I think this skirt is that piece for me. The best news? It was $5.00.

Details

Sweater: Smart Set

Scarf: Le Chateau

Skirt: BBDakota via Crimson Clover

Boots: Call it Spring

Bracelet: Forever 21

Nails: Essie Skirting the Issue

I miss the warm summer days, but I must admit I love tights, boots, and skirts season!

What's your favorite season to dress for?

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Chocolate Affaire

Can you imagine getting to go to a chocolate buffet.... for free? This event was generously thrown in my lap by my employer! Sweet (literally)!

The event was called A Chocolate Affaire and it is an annual fundraiser for Northwood, a local long term care and assisted living facility that also provides home care services.

Three hours of massive quantities of chocolate in every form imaginable!

This event was not the place to wear restrictive clothing, so a cotton skirt was a good choice for me.

 Details

Collared shirt: Gap

Black Shirt and necklace: Joe Fresh

Skirt: Old Navy

Boots: Le Chateau

Tights: Calvin Klein

Bracelet: Gift

Earrings: Aldo

Apologies for the photo quality. Cross fingers that I will be the owner of a new DSLR soon! Until then, my phone's camera is on blog duty.

A Chocolate Affaire was amazing, but I was feeling pretty stuffed about 45 minutes into the gorge-fest.

My award for the cutest creation is the chocolate slider! Puff pastry with a strawberry and a chocolate patty!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Halifax Night Out

I trust these heels. They once got me from The Lower Deck to Public Gardens (that's a long walk for those who don't know Halifax) without breaking my ankles or getting blisters. They are the shoes I gravitate towards for a night out!

My phone's camera doesn't like low light situations...

Details

Top and Pants: H&M

Jacket: Danier

Earrings and bracelets: Gifts

Shoes: Nine West (four years old and still going strong!)

Friday's Fancies this week is all about city style. If I were truly representing the roots of Halifax, I would have chosen a tartan print, but I donated my kilt a few years back. 

See how the other bloggers represented their city style!

Have a great weekend!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl