Winter Pink

On a bright day in January, you do what you can to forget the months of winter that are looming. Sometimes that means putting on a pink jacket and hoping you don't freeze. I was actually shocked by how toasty I was in this bomber. 

Details

Bomber: H&M

Sweater and earrings: J Crew

Jeans: Zara

Boots: Artica via Browns

Necklace: Banana Republic

Snood: American Eagle Outfitters

These boots were purchased at the end of last winter, so it was a treat to dig them out for the first time recently. They are really warm!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

In Pink

This pink bomber is getting worn much later in the fall than I thought it would. It's surprisingly warm! It's not something that can be thrown on with just anything though. It doesn't work with most patterned pants, and I had to ditch the red handbag I'm using right now in exchange for something that didn't clash.

Details

Jacket: H&M

Sweater: J Crew

Scarf: I forget! It's old. 

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Boots: Call it Spring

Bag: Danier

I hope everyone is doing okay with Christmas preparations. I've got some stuff bought, ideas for others, and complete blanks for a few! Black Friday is right around the corner, so I hope to make some progress then. 

XOXO 

Glitterary Girl

Fall Photos and Wine

Sometimes I get super frustrated with the weather in our corner of the world. Spring takes forever to arrive, and winter can be brutal. Nova Scotia has some spectacular weather in the fall however, and I think it would be the best time to travel here unless you're hardcore into laying on the beach.

Photo c/o Brett Locke

Details

Boots: Call it Spring

Scarf: American Eagle Outfitters

Sweater: J Crew

Jeans: Zara 

Bag: Danier

Bag Pom: Topshop

Sunnies: Coach

Brett (check out his website here) and I have been friends since we were twelve. We try to catch up every so often, and both of us wanted to catch some fall scenery. After a quick swing by Starbucks, we were off on Highway 101 to visit Avondale Sky Winery. Even from the highway the leaves were pretty, but once we pulled onto the secondary roads, we couldn't get over the amazing colors.

We sampled some yummy wine and left with a few bottles each.  There wasn't one I tried that I didn't like! The inside of the winery was beautiful. It's a refurbished church and they retained a lot of the stained glass.

I was determined to wear this scarf even though it produces lint like nothing else I've ever seen. It was the first day this fall I wore tall boots, and I was so cozy. We stopped at a few colourful spots on the way back home, and this pretty laneway was the perfect place to snap some photos.

Photo c/o Brett Locke

Photo c/o Brett Locke

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Hello 90's

One of the best things about fashion in 2015 (in my opinion) is the nod to decades past. I was in Forever 21 recently, and at least 75% of the things in there could have easily been from the 70's or the 90's.

In a way, I feel this outfit has a touch of 90's about it (hello blue lace-up boots!)

While watching Homeland (I'm at the end of Season 3, don't spoil it!) I can't help but call Carrie Angela by accident (as in Chase). I'm also watching My So Called-Life again, and holy, the plaid pattern mixing was strong!

Details

Jacket: Old Navy

Cardigan: H&M

Tee: J Crew

Pants and hat: Gap

Boots: Aldo

Necklace: Joe Fresh

Watch: Guess

Glasses: Burberry

Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Did the 90's not have some great music? I used to study to Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Bush. I also loved 90's R&B and hip hop (Boyz II Men, TLC, Kriss Kross!)

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: October 2015 (2)

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. I used to have a monthly budget, but partway through 2014, I switched to a quarterly budget of $500. This can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget.

My last post was some of my October purchases, with the rest being shared today. In case you missed it, I was in Scottsdale, AZ and did a bit of shopping while I was there!

T-Shirt: J Crew
Reg $42 on sale for $18
I'm a fan of sparkly things on shirts. 

Sweater: Banana Republic
Reg $80, on sale for $30
This was something I was eying in Canada, so when I saw it south of the border (and deeply discounted) I nabbed it! I'm glad I wandered in BR - I nearly by-passed it.

Pants: Anthropologie
Reg $128, on sale for $20
You know how you're shopping by yourself, and you really have to trust the opinion of the sales person? This is how came home with these pants. They are definately more of a summer item, but I might be able to squeeze a wear out of them before I put them away for the season. They have crazy-wide legs!

Dress: H&M
Reg $15
Cutest dress. Amazing price. Can't wait to wear it!

Shirt: Forever 21
Reg $16
The navy and orange in this shirt caught my eye, and it has a cute upper back cutout. 

Tunic: Forever 21
Reg $18
This is listed as a dress on the tag, but even on a shorty like me, it would be tres short. I'll be wearing this with leggings or pants!

Boots: Aldo
Reg $120, on sale for $54
I've had these boots for MONTHS. I really liked them, but I was hesitant if I'd actually get a lot of wear out of them. So I left them in the box to think about it. Aldo has a great return policy (unlimited with receipt and unworn) so I was able to give them a lot of thought. I finally caved and wore them last week - twice! I'm glad I didn't take them back.

Shoes: Aldo
Reg $80, on sale for $40
This sneaker/loafer hybrid is the best. So comfy, so cute, and they add a few inches! The only thing I worry about is the white part getting dirty. 

Sneakers: Converse
Reg $60 on sale for $23
If you've not been to a Nordstrom Rack, you need to find one next time you're in the US. I could have spent hours (and a ton of moola) in this place. Thanks to R's shopping threshold (45 min), I didn't even have time to try on any clothing. But I did find these gems.... last pair... in my size. 

I also purchased some accessories, but I'm not going to show them all. I bought a few pairs of earrings, a hat, a few necklaces, socks, and a few more things I'm probably forgetting. The total I paid for all of these was $60 (regular price was about $180)

Original cost of items: $739
Price I paid: $294
I saved 60%

My total spend for October was $468. That leaves me $263 left to spend of the rest of the year - including Black Friday and Boxing Day (gulp). Give me strength. 

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Sparkle Chucks

Finally! After a yucky, snowy, wet winter, I was so eager to wear these shoes again. These were my post-reception Bourbon Room secondary wedding shoes! Being as glaringly white as they are, I need to be careful where I step. Unlike regular Chucks, which look great a little bit beat up, I think these ones need to stay pretty clean to look right.

Details

Jacket and Scarf: Gap

Jeans: Diesel

Shirt: Old Navy

Sneakers: Converse

Watch: Guess

Bracelet: J Crew

Glasses: Burberry

This was the first time wearing my new Gap utility jacket and I love it! It's the perfect weight for this time of year and has lots of pockets. It drives me nuts when jackets have no pockets!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Non-compliant Clothing

What to do when your outfit of choice doesn't co-operate? Think outside the box!

This is a dress. It simply cannot be worn as a dress because it is so static-prone. After unsuccessfully trying to wear it twice - once with bare legs and once with tights - it is now a tunic to be belted, pulled up a bit, and worn with jeans.  

Details

Cardigan, belt, and tunic: Forever 21

Jeans: Guess by Marciano

Sunnies: Coach

Boots: Call it Spring

Bracelet:  J Crew

Nails:  c/o OPI "Lost My Bikini in Molokini"

I wore this for Easter. There was a ton of snow (still is...) but it looks deceptively spring-like on our front step!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Cozy Valentine's Day Outfit

As much as it would be lovely to get all dolled up in a slinky dress and scrappy heels for V-Day, I am NOT willing to freeze for fashion. So for those of us who are in for a chilly weekend, here's something I pulled together that won't cause a case of hypothermia.

Details

Sweater: Banana Republic

Skirt: Club Monaco

Tights: American Apparel

Boots and Scarf: H&M

Headband: J Crew

Necklace: Origami Owl

Bracelets: Stella & Dot, Banana Republic

Clutch: Coach

*full disclosure... this outfit was put on for the picture only (which is rare for me - I normally photograph what I'm wearing for the day - but I really wanted to do a V-Day shot). After much thought and studying these photos, I decided to return the new sweater as the hem was hitting in an unflattering spot, especially when I tried it with jeans. Too bad - I really love the color. Old me would have kept it anyway and probably never worn it, so I'm proud of new me who only lets items I love into my closet. *

Date ideas for this outfit? How about a casual dinner, a coffee house, or a dessert with two spoons!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: October 2014

This was a very heavy spending month. Vegas will do that to a clothing budget!

October is also the first month of my shopping quarter, so the amount of shopping I'll be doing for myself in November and December will be tiny!

Here's what I bought before Vegas:

Jeans: American Eagle Artist Crop
Discounted from $50 to $20
My current cropped jeans are scandalously low-rise and needed to be replaced. I've been very happy with the past few denim purchases I've made lately from AE.

Jumpsuit: Smart Set
Discounted from $55 to $21
I cannot believe I own a jumpsuit. One-piece garments of any kind are usually a really bad idea for me (don't ask, I'm long-waisted), but this one fits well! I admit I haven't styled it yet, but I'm excited to wear it soon with a belt and booties.

Now for the Vegas buys (in American $$.) I did all my shopping at the Vegas North Premium Outlets and Fashion Show Mall:

Blazer: Armani Exchange (army green, pretty basic, no photo)
Discounted from $148 to $30
I've been looking for an army green blazer. This one fit well and the price couldn't be beat!

Flats: Tory Burch (found on Shop Bop)
Discounted from $235 to $129 
I've always wanted Tory Burch flats! It was a toss up between these ones and a pair from Vince Camuto, but these won because they were more fun! Gotta love the outlet price! I found the bags at the outlet to be really expensive for an outlet store, but the shoes were discounted nicely.

image via Shop Bop

Sweater: J Crew
Discounted from $74.50 to $37.00
I have now filled my camel-coloured sweater void. Camel goes with so many other colours.

Shirt: Top Shop
Regular Price: $28
This will go well with my Top Shop windowpane skirt and other high-waisted skirts I own. The colour is rich and I can wear it with a blazer on top in the winter.

Headband: Anthropologie
Discounted from $28 to $11
I want to make a bigger effort to be less boring with my hair. This headband is a nice way to make a subtle statement.

Cardigan: Forever 21
Regular Price: $20
OK, I now fully understand why I rarely buy anything at Forever 21 in Canada, but always find stuff in the States. The prices are SO MUCH cheaper. Seriously. I tried on a jacket that I liked but I knew it would be heavy in my suitcase, so I figured I might pick it up in Canada. It's $20 more here, BEFORE you factor in the exchange rate. Agh. I was on the hunt for both a heavy weight and lightweight cardigan. Here is the heavy one. I bought it in grey.

Cardigan: Forever 21
Regular price: $9
My trusted H&M navy cardi is three years old and showing it. Here's a replacement at a great price. If it falls apart, I don't care. This will do until I find a great quality one.

Handbag: Kate Spade Southport Avenue Alessa (found on Amazon)
Discounted from $348 to $146
I have waited almost a year to buy a new black handbag after deciding my six year old Coach tote needs to retire. Lesson learned: Never buy an expensive fabric bag - always go leather. Still, six years was a good run.... I used it soooo much. I was very picky with my new handbag. I wanted something structured so when I put something in it, it stays where it belongs. I love the idea of a unstructured bag, but so much time is wasted with rummaging. I also wanted an outside pocket and the ability to wear it cross body. The only thing this bag is missing is feet. Hopefully the bottom won't get banged up. I also wanted gold details so it will match my winter coat.

Shoes: Jack Purcell by Converse (found at The Bay)
Discounted from $80 to $24
I went in to buy laces and came out with these. I just have to accept that in my mind, I will never have enough Converse. These are leather and awesome. I even managed to pull them off with a dress in Vegas (watch for that post soon).

Scarf: Zara
Regular price: $30
I've been wanting a nice plaid scarf from Zara since last year. They are so cozy!

Gift from my mom:
Earrings: Tory Burch
These are sold out on-line everywhere I looked on-line. They are quite big on me for studs as my ears are tiny. Very classy! Thanks Mom!

Image source 

Value of Items: $1105.50
Price I Paid: $505

I saved 54%

That leaves me with $145 to spend for the rest of the year. Gah. I'm going to have to be extremely selective... and find somewhere else to hang out at lunch besides the mall.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

In Defiance

I don't care how cold it is - June is almost here and I will wear skirts! Even if my legs are full of goosebumps. Even if the north wind threatens to blow my skirt over my head. Even if I can't feel my feet (ok, that might be due to a combination of the low temperature and super-high heels).

I can't express how much I miss my laptop/camera combo.

Details

Shirt: J Crew

Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Heels: Aldo

Necklace: H&M

Clutch: Coach

At this rate, spring will arrive in September and we might spend Halloween on the beach.

Send some warm my way if you have any to spare!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: April 2014 Part 1

Brace yourselves for a lengthy read. I decided to do my monthly budget in two posts, starting with the free stuff. My goal is to spend under $500 per season on clothing/shoes. Each season is three months long.

Birthday money, combined with a trip to Vancouver, made for a busy shopping month.

I'll start off with all of the free stuff. These items do not count towards my budget.

Sneakers: Converse via The Bay
Discounted from $65 to $42
I have been aching for these sneakers since I saw them on-line earlier this year. I ordered these and the rose-gold metallic ones. I told myself I was only allowed to keep one pair and these were the winner. It was actually an easy choice as the rose-gold ones weren't that pretty in real life.

Navy bucket bag: Old Navy (no longer available on-line but they are still in store as of last week)
Discounted from $30 to $17.50
I really wanted a bucket bag, but didn't want to pay a lot for one as I'm saving my "bag budget" for a new black handbag when we go to Vegas. This was a perfect choice to make me feel like I have a new spring bag, without spending a lot. The (fake) leather looks surprisingly supple.

Sneakers: Peter Pilotto for Target
Discounted from $30 to $9

Slip on sneaks are having a moment right now and these are certainly a fun version. Once it gets a bit warmer, I'll style them with my chambray dress. I wore these to the mall on the weekend and three people stopped me to ask me where I got them.

Scarves: Gap (no longer available on-line)
Discounted from $65 to $12 for both.
I couldn't pass these up. One is a winter snood, powder blue and heavy knit. The other one is an oatmeal infinity scarf with neon orange stripes.

Tee: Smart Set (no longer available on-line)
Discounted from $29 to $11
One can never have enough simple black shirts. This one has faux leather sleeves and the material is nice and thick. Worn here.

Tee: Smart Set
Discounted from $25 to $7.50
Cardigan: H&M
Regular price: $18
I love lightweight cardigans, especially at the office. This tee was one of my picks for the Opposites Attract feature I did for Halifax Shopping Centre. Graphic tees are always a favourite of mine as they can be dressed up or down. See how I styled these new buys on the streets of Vancouver recently.

Shirt: Joe Fresh (no longer available on-line)
Discounted from $29 to $15
A slightly sheer animal print blouse with various blue shades. I think this will look great with denim or navy dress pants. I'm also excited to see how it looks with the below jeans.

Jeans: Joe Fresh
Discounted from $19 to $10
I've been looking for comfortable white denim for a long time. White denim can be scary if the cut or stretch factor is off, but these were flattering... and ten bucks!

Belt: Joe Fresh (no longer available on-line)
Discounted from $25 to $3
Fun animal print belt for a steal!

Top: Joe Fresh
Regular price $19
I love lacy tops in neutral colors. I have a much heavier sweater that is the same shade and I wear it a lot on summer nights.

Top: J Crew
Discounted from $128 to $18
This is a girly shirt with contrasting sporty stripes down the arms, reminiscent of Adidas jackets from days gone by.

I used part of my birthday money on a fabulous experience at the Bay in Vancouver. Topshop at the Bay has a FREE personal shopping service! R and I were in there getting him some new things for the wedding we attended, and I decided to come back the next day for some pampering. My stylist was Kenneth, and he was really fun and very quickly got a sense of my style. He had about eight outfits pulled for me when I arrived, and I had large private dressing area to myself for the appointment. It was really fun to try on the things he chose for me, and I came away with three key pieces that I love! If you're in Toronto or Vancouver, I HIGHLY recommend this service. Topshop can be really overwhelming and it's a great way to zone in. I could have bought so much more - really had to restrain myself.

Pants: Topshop
Regular price $72
I told Kenneth I wanted "dressy track pants" and he knew exactly what I was looking for. These are high-waisted, have a strong waistband that stays put, and I can alter where they hit length-wise with the elastic ankle.

Sandals: Topshop
Regular price: $50
OK, I have a hard time believing these are only $50. They are classy, have a really cute turn-lock closure, and the heel height is perfect for work or play.

Skirt: Topshop
Regular price: $44
I couldn't leave this, it was far too fun. I'm on a hunt for a powder blue top to wear with it, but it looks great with black, white, grey, and pink too.

Not a fan of the shoes they paired this skirt with...

See, I told you this was an extensive read! Watch for part two later this week where I'll share what I spent of my own money... not much more, I promise.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl