Currently viewing the category:
"Thoughts"
As silly as this may sound, packing stresses me out. Especially when it’s for a short trip because then there’s a lot of pressure to only pack what you need and to pack light. This pressure is only intensified by the fact that I am traveling with a boy. I always think boys will think you’re nuts if you bring a trunk full of your shoe collection and garment bags carrying all your precious jackets and silks for a weekend trip, which to be honest is what I wish I could do. I am just not one of these people who can simply decide what she will want to wear in 3 days time and pack only that. In this moment I want to wear Betsey heels and a short black sweater dress on the bus tomorrow. (Yes, I said heels and bus in the same sentence, I’m a fashion blogger, it’s my job to be a bit ridiculous. And I enjoy it.) But for all I know tomorrow morning I may be feeling a bit safari and maybe I’ll want to wear my military jacket with a bunch of gold bling for the bus ride there. I can’t predict these things! LET ALONE what I will want to wear for walking around SEATTLE tomorrow. And then of course there’s the dinner outfit, and then possible an outfit change if we go out to a club or lounge or something… Oh dear, the stress is getting to me again. Figuratively I can’t handle the stress of packing, sadly, literally my suitcase can’t handle it either. Oh what to do, what to do. Heels or flats? Sequin purse or something more edgy like white and black alligator print leather clutch? Can’t I just bring it all? A few hours ago I gave up and ran myself a nice hot lavender bubble bath, poured a glass of red wine, lit yummy candles and turned on SATC the movie. That made it better, until now.
Well, I’m off to bed, stress never did the face any good.
Xo StyleStruck
Above: cupcakesandcashmere.com
When you pick up a book, or a magazine, or a dress, or really anything that speaks to you, you feel a little bond. Vogue usually does this to me, as do a very high pair of pink platforms. Today I got that little feeling from a beautiful blog written by Emily, called “Cupcakes and Cashmere.” I had never heard of it until I looked at the bags Coach has just unveiled that are designed by bloggers! (All American, of course.) Emily designed a pretty, pink leather sachel that looks just right for Spring 2010. Unfortunately at $498, it’s a little out of my price range at the moment. (Find the blogger bags here!)
Above: Teen Vogue features the lovely ladies and their Coach designs! (Can you imagine receiving that kind of national press as a blogger?? Uh-maaz-ing! Umm, hello Flare? This Vancouver blogger wants some attention!)
Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Sophisticated and adorable, just like Audrey.
Now go have a read of Emily’s blog, you’ll find recipes for delicious baked goods, summer time treats and savory entrees, as well as many photos of her fabulous style.
Xo StyleStruck
Well, it’s that time of year again! Time to bring out the short shorts, bikinis and minis! (I’m having a bit of a light-denim shorts moment right now, kinda over minis, but then again ask me in a week and I may have a different opinion.)
I know all you ladies are very diligent in your skin care routine, shaving those lovely legs and keeping your hair smooth and voluminous, but there is a new product out there, for an area you may have been neglecting…
“Muff stuff” is brought to you by Ritz Clinging, a fabulous Vancouver entrepreneur. Clinging says, “I created I Love My Muff to provide women with eco chic and effective products for daily love and care down there. It’s a muff movement!”
A little info from ilovemymuff.com: My goal was to create fabulously effective feminine care products that cater to the modern lifestyles of savvy, empowered and informed women of today.
I have achieved this goal in the creation of i love my muff premium feminine care products.
With the promise to provide daily love and care for down there, i love my muff products have been developed with an uncompromising commitment to mildness, biodegradability, non-toxicity, cleansing ability, moisturizing ability and luxurious feel.
i love my muff products are vegan, free of any parabens, SLS, synthetic colors and fragrances. They have been handmade (with love) in Canada using the finest natural ingredients like pure beneficial essential oils to create a perfect balance that’s suitable for all skin types.
It’s no longer taboo and with it’s clean packaging and bold message these products are a statement of confidence and a must have for every woman.
Looking to purchase Muff stuff? It’s available at Beauty Mark in Yaletown, and Clinging has gone global with it! Muff stuff is now available in NYC, as well as major Canadian cities like Toronto.
I’m a fan!
Wearing: H&M rhinestone tee, Urban Behaviour denim shorts, Zara wedges and vintage Raybans.
(Dontcha just love how eclectic this blog is? From tips on business to feminine hygiene, I’ve got ya covered! ; ))
Xo SS
So it seems I have created a personal brand, “StyleStruck,” and I love it. It has taken me a year to create this brand, built primarily through my blog, but also through the use of fabulously outrageous clothing. When I think of myself, I think of two identities, one being “StyleStruck,” and the other being the me that I’ve been for 22 years. StyleStruck wears sky-high shoes, hot pink skirts, animal print and anything and everything sparkly, specifically sequins. Olivia wears t shirts, jeans, the occasional pair of vans, cute flats and a leather bomber jacket here and there. There has become such a division in my mind between these two sartorial identities, that sometimes getting dressed can be quite a headache. And probably, this is all in my head, but it got me to wondering, when you have developed a personal brand that hinges on your public appearance, do you maintain that style of appearance 24/7?
Let’s say you’re a successful realtor who has a “take no BS, I’m the woman who will always get he job done” kind of persona. In your professional life you wear serious blazers, killer heels and always maintain a very coiffed look. What happens on Sunday when you’re pouring your cereal and realize you’re out of milk and must run the two blocks to the corner store to get milk? And you live downtown where it is very likely that you could run into a client or colleague? Do you pull on those Gucci booties, slick on some red gloss, throw on your biggest sunnies and get your milk? Or like most people, do you pull on those oh-so-comfy but not-so-aggressive-looking Ugg boots and yoga pants? How does an empowered working woman balance between her professional personal brand and herself?
To some this may sound like a silly issue, but I don’t think it is, especially if you’re an entrepreneur who has to pitch herself and her abilities to get the clients she wants. I plan to be in marketing and public relations. If I choose at some point to work for myself, then I’ll have to have that strong I-am-your-woman attitude all the time. All the time is serious business. You can’t exactly get sloshed at a club with your girlfriends after you’ve had your heart broken, for fear of photos ending up on facebook or worse, running into someone who might know you from your work. In a small city like Vancouver, word sure spreads fast.
Unfortunately, I haven’t got any words of wisdom on this topic yet, but I’m only 22, so I’ve got time to figure out an action plan. (Perhaps I’ll buy a giant brunette wig for the nights I want to dance to stupidly loud top 40).
I’d love to know your thoughts! (Oh, and I’m working on getting more pictures, in order to up the quality of content on my blog, I feel I need someone behind the camera snapping the pictures, rather than propping my DSLR up on a pile of Vogues in my living room, so stay tuned!)
Xo StyleStruck
Such a sweet email from a reader:
Dear Olivia,
I just had to write in to express my love for your blog!
Not only do you have great style and fantastic pictures, and that you
too live in Vancouver, but you write with a voice that is much
different compared to other bloggers out there. Especially fashion
ones.
Keep the posts coming, because you have fans out here.
- N.
Wow, thank you sooo much!! Messages like this make me so happy to write this blog! Thank you! And I will most certainly keep it up, blogging has become a real passion for me! :)
Xo
I started this day off rushing around my cramped apartment, (I’ve pulled everything out of my closets in an effort to de-clutter and re-organize as well as down-size), readying myself for an important appointment. This meant running out last minute to London Drugs with wet hair to buy a toothbrush and toothpaste, (somehow the night before a big morning I lose my toothbrush and use the last of my toothpaste??), giving myself my best version of a blow-out and a last minute iron job on my silk blouse. I left feeling fairly confident, which I considered to be quite a success considering how panicked I was when I jumped out of bed!
Anyways, when I returned home, I was greeted with a MESS. Winter coats strewn across my bed room, shoes everywhere and old school books lying around, something had to be done! So naturally, I reorganized my purses, even though they were already doing just fine in the purse cupboard…
Top: My collection of evening clutches. Bottom: A stack of soft purses. Braided leather handles peek out from a vintage sky blue leather tote.
I then moved on to reorganizing my shoe collection, and ohh boy there are a lot of them! Altogether only about 70 pairs, that’s not so bad, (compared to Imelda Marcos). Though, I’m starting to think that it would be a good idea to get rid of some of these shoes, especially since most I don’t often wear, or wear at all. While trying to figure out the best way to store my boots, I discovered a little trick to make them store standing up…
Stuff your boots with Vogues! Or really any magazines. Brilliant.
I try not to play favorites with my shoes, but really, who am I kidding? Miu Miu sequin heaven!
And then there are these lovely mules, passed on to me from my Mum’s friend’s friend. They fit, but are not so comfortable to spend much time walking in. Which makes them the perfect sitting-sandal, which I suppose is appropriate for the lady who buys Chanel sandals, it’s not likely she has to walk very far at any given time. So they sit in my closet waiting for the day I decide to have a “sophisticated WASP” moment.
And now a snapshot of my decidedly reorganized coat closet and purse cupboard:
That’s it for now, tomorrow morning I think I shall report to you on social media, though if you’re reading this you’re probably already fairly versed in social media, as this is a blog, and I tend to promote it via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, which are all tools of social media. But in any case, that’s what I plan to do. Goodnight readers!
Xo SS
So I’m really into goals lately, I even bought a cute little pink notebook yesterday that I can write my goals down in and carry around in my purse. I even went to Delaney’s yesterday morning and spent a little time sipping a skim latte writing down all of my goals, it felt more official to do it in public that at home on my own. Of course, since I’m trying to curb my spending on the little unnecessary things, I probably didn’t need that $4 latte.
Here’s what I wrote down:
Financial commitments I’m going to make to myself:
Stop buying a million magazines a month, $6/magazine (with tax), X approximately 4-5 magazines a month = $28, plus French Vogue which is $12 = $40/month on magazines. Why do I whine about a $50 cable/internet bill when I’m willing to spend almost as much on magazines that most often I don’t even end up reading. (I’m mostly into the editorials, which I suppose I could find online quite easily for free.)
Stop going shopping when I’m bored. I’m ashamed to say I’ve bought so many pairs of shoes over the past two months I haven’t even had the chance to wear half of them yet, or even post about them.
My goals for the next few months:
Make a significant contribution to my sad little savings account. (Yes there’s money in there, but not nearly enough.)
Satisfy my long-awaited need to buy a designer bag. I’ve been thinking about a YSL tote for I don’t even know how long.
Read more books, reading makes you smarter, even if it’s chick lit. (It can be the simple act of reading someone else’s style of writing or speaking that can benefit your vocabulary and therefor make you sound that much smarter – I think.)
I’ve decided that in order to make these commitments to myself, it’s important for me to write down what I spend in order to figure out where I’m unnecessarily spending too much, that’s where my cute little notebook comes in. Okay that’s it for now, maybe you’ve been thinking about getting control of what you want for your life, when better than a sunny Thursday morning to start?
Xo StyleStruck
Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue is a very fascinating women. She is simplistic, impossibly chic and incredibly un-p.c. Her hair is always messy and her eyes darkly rimmed. The woman is at the helm of France’s fashion bible, yet doesn’t know how to use a computer. She has had no formal training, but calls her vision just “a feeling” she has about what is right for her magazine. I can’t help but be in awe of this person, she is the antithesis of what we expect from our professionals over here in North America. I think I’d rather live in France.
-SS
From www.glossedover.com :
A Glossed Over Guide: How to Be Carine Roitfeld, Editor of FrenchVogue
Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue, is the subject of a profile in the current issue of New York magazine. The article by Amy Larocca radiates a staggering amount of antipathy—perhaps best exemplified by the choice to recreate Roitfeld’s Gallic accent and broken English verbatim. (Actual quote: “I have in my office—what you call in America?”)
Perhaps because we’re so accustomed to the sickly sweet world of fashion magazine profiles, where everybody loves everybody else, we were thrilled to see an actual, honest-to-goodness point of view. Whether we agree with Larocca’s take is almost irrelevant; we learned so much from this profile. Roitfeld may be near universally revered as an arbiter of chic, but many of her secrets were laid bare. What did we learn about navigating the tricky path to becoming a top magazine editor?
1. Portray yourself in the best possible light. Literally.
She is a fiftyish woman having a double espresso in the lobby of the Carlyle on Madison Avenue. “For me, it is best to be the youngest in hotel,” she explains, “and I was not having this feeling at the Mercer.” She has come to New York for her son Vladimir’s 23rd birthday, which she celebrated the night before with dinner at Indochine. “It makes me happy because there is vewy great lighting,” she says about the restaurant. “Vewy flatter.” (Roitfeld has reached a compromise with the hard American r by converting them all to ws.)
2. Believe in yourself, regardless of immaterial details like training or education.
“Some editors, they have that, they know all the designer from the beginning of the nineteenth century. They know this is triple cashmere, this is simple cashmere. Maybe they went to fashion school. Me, I don’t. I just get a feeling about what is exciting. It is all just from feeling. So I don’t know”—she pulls her lips into a pout and gives one of those poufy little French exhales—“I think maybe I have a talent.”
3. Do everything you can to keep fashion the exclusive province of the wealthy and slender.
Because of this, Roitfeld’s French Vogue is the polar opposite of most American fashion magazines. It is unconcerned with making fashion wearable or accessible to its readers. It is not inclusive: There is no advice on how to dress if you’re shaped like a pear or about to turn 50.
In Roitfeld’s world, models are never too skinny, diamonds are never too expensive.
4. Lob passive-aggressive insults at more influential editors. (Excellent! We’ve got a head start on mastering this one.)
“The American editors are very, how you say, slick,” Roitfeld says. “Very perfect. Hair is perfect, they have a manicure. They are very clean, they follow fashion. I don’t think they take many risks. They do the total look of Prada. Me, I wear a lot of Japanese piece mixed with a bit of classic Hermès and Prada. Even though jeans suit me, I never wear jeans.”…
“It’s very difficult not to become a puppet,” she says of it all. “Like Anna, she becomes so iconic that she becomes like a puppet. I don’t want to be like that, I don’t want to wear this uniform, I don’t want to be just an envelope.”
Roitfeld styled a shoot last year in homage to Wintour’s look, puppetlike or not, starring a model with a bob, dark sunglasses, and many a fur coat. (“PETA, they like to pay attention to her, not to me,” she says, “so this is good for me.”)
5. Bite the hand that feeds you.
In an industry where accessories count for the bulk of her advertisers’ revenue, she has this to say: “Right now I think that fashion in the world becomes a bit boring. There is so much money, and I feel a bit when you go to shows they want to sell so many handbags, and for me, well, I do not like handbags. I do not wear handbags. It is not a nice look, to carry a handbag.”
6. Look for the good in everyone!
“…So people always say that I weigh my staff, and it is totally wrong. All my girls are very skinny and very chic and very beautiful. And if they are not beautiful, well, then they are very charming. So people always say that I weigh them, but no. I don’t weigh my girls.”
7. Know what tools are essential for doing your job well.
Her desk is nearly empty—Roitfeld does not know how to use a computer—save for a telephone, a pair of black suede gloves, some color printouts of a fashion shoot, and a tiny snakeskin clutch.
8. Have an open mind about other cultures!
Roitfeld is 48 hours off a ten-day vacation in Thailand during which she worked a great deal on meditation.
How was this trip?
“You think this will be so glamorous,” she sighs. “You have the idea in your mind and then you get there and the people in the hotel …” She grimaces and gestures hugely in the hip area. “There were lots of people who were so fat and like that.”
Well, we hope they were at least charming!
Click here for French Vogue. (Available at Chapters)
Part of the work assigned from the current course I’m taking at BCIT, (Strategic Corporate Communications), is to blog about course readings, (which are listed as pages to your right titled “Sharing Education”) and write general posts about life happenings that relate to the course material.
Here’s something that I think is helpful to all those who have anything to do with communications, anyone who owns a business with an online presence and BLOGGERS OF EVERY VARIETY: Recently on BC Business.com, one of their bloggers published this post about how to convert leads online by creating a great and seductive landing page. The BC Biz blogger, Tommy Humphreys, (also seen on this blog in cashmere, see my last post below), gives three keys for creating your own successful landing page. So read on! CLICK HERE!
- SS
Annndd continued where my computer decided to cut my video off… (who know’s why, maybe my little white mac is still peeved about my having spilt chocolate ice cream on her). What’s the LOKBP you ask? The League of Kickass Business People. The purpose of the league and the meet up events is to network, meet other people within your industry and maybe even make a connection that leads to business.
Last night’s event was featuring F Cancer as the guest and provided the attendees with the opportunity to create tag lines for an up coming campaign that F Cancer is putting together. We all divided up into 6 groups of 5 people and got to work trying to conceive fresh and bold ideas for the campaign. The best part of that was being thrown into a situation where you had to work with strangers, I was paired with 3 very smart and accomplished people, all quite a bit older than me. My 22 years must have seemed like peanuts, but I like to think I held my own. (And like with most of these business type meet up events, I was the youngest, though I was with a young group. But where is everybody?? All you kids fresh out of university, don’t you want to network?? The geek in me seriously loves these events.)
Working with business people who are already established was an interesting experience for me because each person definitely had a very different perspective and a unique take on the task at hand. It got me thinking about what it must be like in the corporate world when you are placed in an office full of intellectual strangers. Perhaps a tad intimidating, a bit challenging and maybe even a little daunting. But this only makes me more excited to join the nine-to-fivers! I want a challenge and a stimulating environment and I know I shall find myself in one quite soon.
Well that’s it for now readers, now I must go get fabulous in less than 30 minutes… I bet Mariah never has to deal with time constraints like this.
-SS
She is just so darn cute, and talented at what she does! Adorable. Karlie is on this month’s issue of Teen Vogue with a great article about what life for one of America’s top models is like and some gorgeous photos. Even if you’re no longer a teen, it’s a great cover story.
-SS
Out and on the prowl for all things pretty. A casual Friday afternoon outfit. Oversized black cashmere sweater, white Sirens jeans, B. Makowsky leather bag, cheapie sunnies from Bang-On and black Aldo leather wedges. Mmm cozy.
Well, today was my big day to accomplish all of the many things I have been putting off all week. The day started off quite productive with a breakfast run to Waves, (mmm the apple muffins there are so tasty), the usual collection of newspapers, (whilst I prefer the internet, I still have a love for traditional media), two blog posts, and even a walk over to the Vancouver View office in Yaletown to pink up a few very heavy boxes of the latest issue for an event I’m helping with in mid-May. Pretty productive right? Well after I got home from the VV trip, I decided I deserved a little break and immediately got caught up with too much reality TV. Which turned into an absolutely necessary trip downtown to see what the shops had to offer. Luckily for the plastic in my purse most of what’s in stores now does not appeal to me. (ENOUGH PLEATHER ALREADY! Where are the classic, moderately priced clothes that are made of good quality fabrics with care in construction?? Does that even exist? Do I have to start making my own clothes??)
It’s 9:15 pm and I haven’t even started on the laundry, or my homework… Good thing I’m taking a night off of being fabulous tonight, (meaning no dressing up and going out tonight!), though I am wearing a brilliantly subtle shade of Dior lipgloss that is littered with sparkles. I suppose that is rather glam, as is the new Vogue in my lap.
Okay, that’s it for now. Ta ta.
Shoes by Aldo. Fruit by the overall-ed, fruit-picking people of the Okanagan Valley. (Although I suppose oranges are international travellers, so we have a mix of Cali and BC produce here. Just to be precise.)
The StyleStruck Diet: Load up on fresh, local produce and of course fresh styles from your local retailers. Such as these hot pumps from Aldo. Then add a dash of bling, (conveniently, also from Aldo. No this is not paid advertising, but it could be… ; )). I’ve been dying for a pair of comfortable high heels, (don’t let the 5″ heel misguide you, these are seriously comfortable heels. I heard a rumor that certain shoemakers are over the platform. YOU’LL HAVE TO FIGHT ME FOR MY PLATFORMS. This pair is fabulous enough to be unique, but also simple enough that I think they could be understated.) The leopard booties were a steal at the Aldo outlet on Granville for only $30, I’d been eyeing the Louboutin leopard booties from a couple seasons ago and sadly had to choose rent over them, so these look-a-likes make me very happy! Another Happy Frugalista moment!
And on a bit more of a serious note, just like every other girl on this planet, I diet, or at least try and be conscious of what I’m eating. I have 2 major reasons to watch what I put in my mouth:
1. I have a bit of an affinity for body conscious dresses. Sadly my beloved Alfredo and the body-con silhouette just don’t go together.
2. I want the inside of me to be as healthy as it can possibly be. Feeling snacky? Fresh fruit is the best option I think, so tasty, so fresh and so good for you. And if knowing that you’re being healthy isn’t a good enough reason to stock up on nature’s candy, then know that fruit and vegetables have the power to give you that lovely glowing skin we all want. ($100 facial or $5 fruit, just sayin’)
That’s it for now. Haha I wonder how my neighbors feel about my blasting Spice Girls as I write this… I’m sure they love it as much as I do!
Xo StyleStruck
So there’s a new movement upon us, it’s a T-shirt movement that is spreading two words; “Fuck Cancer,” in order to stop the spread of this deadly disease. The “Fuck Cancer” campaign was started by Yael Cohen, a young woman from Vancouver who has a loved one fighting the disease. Fuck Cancer has an amazing website where you can share your story with cancer and read other’s stories. Upload a picture, share some love or share some cash. Either way, let’s Fuck Cancer! I did, click here to see my entry.
So have you joined the movement yet?? T shirts are available at Moulé. And of course, because this is a fashion-ish blog, I had to wear mine with something fabulous… the BOOTS! I am in LOVE with these boots! Mmmm red suede and buckles! (I’m wearing the Fuck Cancer T shirt, skirt from H&M and boots found a rack at Winners, unknown brand).
You may have also noticed that my hair is looking a little different, it’s BLONDE now!! And I finally got a cut to give it some much needed shape. Big thank you to my wonderful hair stylist, Vanessa.
That’s it for now, share your story on FuckCancer and then share it with me!! Leave me a comment with the link to your picture!
Xo StyleStruck
So by now you now that one of my passions is marketing and pretty much all that falls under the marketing umbrella. At the moment I am taking a course called Strategic Corporate Communications that encourages exploring the new methods of communicating with your business members and target audience. In our first class last week the professor asked us to create a blog that will serve as a platform for our take on some given readings. I thought that since I dabble in a little bit of marketing related info, (events and bits I find here and there), on this blog already, I would include some of the tips from the readings on my blog. If like me you are interested in pursuing a career in public relations and marketing, you might find these insights helpful! And as always, why not include pictures to make this visual!
This post will feature my thoughts and ideas from a reading explaining how to “make your message visible.” I thought I’d combine it with a little photo shoot my sister and I did together that features how I make myself visible, all sequins all the time. (Photography and styling by Monika Loevenmark).
So this reading was particularly interesting to me because it highlighted something that I think I’ve been doing all along, but didn’t know that it was a strategy to lure you readers in; captivating the audience’s attention with imagery, or “data visualization,” via social media and creating that one-on-one connection with your audience. Although, I wonder if writing a piece on marketing and including fashion shots with it counts as “data visualization”… But it sure does make it more fun!
The reading: “How to make your message visible: On becoming better visual storytellers” by Susan Suggs, APR, (from Public Relations Tactics Journal by the Public Relations Society of America). That’s sure a mouthful.
So what I took from the reading was this main principle: “the more visual you make your data, the greater its potential impact due to a stronger impression and better recall.” What this means to me is when you want to communicate a message, use creative and strong visuals to promote and enhance what you are saying. I think this is why blogs have become such an important part of internet marketing. Blogs are the perfect platform for communicating a message because the posts are infused with captivating pictures, (who doesn’t love peeking into someone else’s life, or closet?). I can learn from this principle, the more I continue to make my posts visual for my readers, the stronger the impression I will give to you about what I’m about and will probably have you coming back to check my blog, hopefully! On that note, time for a photo…
This reading also says, “for PR professionals to be better visual story tellers, they should try using a problem-solving outline or a direct human interest story.” So, does this mean that as a wannabe PR professional that I am promoting myself through this blog and the way that I communicate with you, my readers, by telling little stories from my life, could be considered “visual story-telling” through my own “human interest” stories? And therefor I am making this a stronger connection with you? Rad. Lets keep this going!
A quote that I like from the reading goes like this: “audiences today mine data for the short vignette that encapsulates the best and brightest ideas.” Your audience still wants “access to pertinent data, but perception of key messages improves when delivered with an understanding of the shortened attention span of today’s media-infused consumer.” So keep it short and sweet. Say what you gotta say in the most effective way possible, make it interesting and if possible, unique to all the many thousands of messages out there on the internet, (since we’re talking about an online forum). On that note I shall end the writing portion of this post, (see how I am showing that I understand what I’m reading?? Haha), now for SOME FABULOUS PHOTOS!
Im wearing: vintage sequin jacket, H&M over-sized T, Zara snakeskin printed skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace, Michael Kors watch, H&M bracelet and Zara leather flats.
Hope you enjoyed my thoughts, : )
Xo StyleStruck
POSTS TO COME SOON!! : )
Xo SS
(Life has been NUTS. But things are starting to calm down, so you can expect more from me)
Here’s what I’m thinkin for today!
Let me know what your goals are for today, the week or for the month. I can always use more inspiration!
Xo StyleStruck
My next Must-Have! Miu Miu Spring ’10 platform pump
This post was inspired by my twin sister who is currently living in London, England. Monika is living on a bit of a budget, but when she visited a popular British store and fell in looove with a dress and pair of boots that she wanted but didn’t know if she should spend all that money on, she thought to herself, “what would StyleStruck do?” And thus, this post was born! My ideas on what’s right for me may be a little crazy to some, but they’ve been working for me for the last couple decades! (This post is meant for fun!) So here we go, what would I do?
1. Well in Monika’s case, you betcha I’d buy those pieces because 1. you’re only in London once, (unless of course you go again, but that’s beside the point) and 2. undoubtedly the pieces are fabulous and what’s one thing you must be above all when you are in London, England? FABULOUS.
2. Buy anything fashion related over the necessary items? While I do try to maintain quite a responsible image and I am all for life’s big purchases and therefor saving, I am a person who can not resist the soft feeling of a dove grey silk tunic, even when I know I’m down to my last XX dollars. (A girl doesn’t say what she spends on clothes, all the time). This happened to me last week. I shall find out if it was worth it when I debut said tunic to a variety of important blog-related meetings. I will report back.
3. Risk lovely shoes in bad weather? Never. My shoes are my art and they are very important to me. Rain kills shoes. It’s like rock over scissors, you just can’t avoid it. Some girls wear their loveliest of shoes 24/7 but I believe that it is important to keep your nice things nice. Wear wellies. Though I am developing a bit of a hatred towards these, they make all woman look stumpy. Investigation into an alternative to stiff rubber boots will commence immediately. (No, this does not mean run to the closet, reach wayyy back and pull out 2004′s Uggs).
4. Indulge myself when I know I should be saving that money? Don’t we all? I seem to remember going for the most wonderful relaxing facial when I should have saved that money for bills. The way I saw it though was that the bills were causing me stress and so to undo the awful effects that stress has upon my young face, I needed to get a facial. I highly recommend the relaxing environment of a spa treatment.
5. Read blogs, fashion sites and endless amounts of magazines over my school books? Why yes I do. It’s all about priorities, and mine are just fine, for me. You see, I am having a hard time grasping on to the fact that I am learning anything that I will really actually use in my career. You don’t go around defining odd terms for people, which is what I learn week after week, but it will be necessary for me to know the latest of who’s who and what’s what when I have a career in fashion PR. (Or fashion journalism, or fashion marketing or…) I am also having a hard time appreciating school right now because all of the best networking events and most fabulous fashion events seem to be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. When are my classes? Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Grumble grumble grumble… P.S. I scored 95% on an exam last week. I say again, my priorities are just fine. ; )
6. Get my hair done rather than buy groceries? Yes. And I’ll do it again. Spend money on shoes when I know rent is right around the corner? Yes. How do you think I got those GORGEOUS sequin Miu Miu’s? Did everything work out fine? Why yes it did, I just had to kill myself picking up extra shifts at work to make rent. But it was sooo worth it. Max out my credit card for that one amazing luxurious designer item? Yes! You get the point.
I believe in buying items that you feel you must have. Not just shopping for the sake of shopping. But if you see something that you feel is so you and you just have to have it, do what it takes to get it! Of course, I DO NOT condone doing anything illegal. I mean maxing your plastic out every now and then or being a little ridiculous in the name of fashion. Hey, that’s why I’m StyleStruck!
That’s it for now. And lovelies, remember one thing, guilt is not becoming, so hold your freshly facial-ed head high and walk proudly on your new designer heels!
Xo StyleStruck
It has just become apparent to me that I have been favoring a certain pair of Michael Kors boots over the past few months, and you’re probably all sick of those boots. It’s just that, even at 5 inches high, they’re so darn comfortable! I’m a bit frustrated with myself though for having gotten into a shoe rut. I ought to give my other shoes a chance to shine, and so I will. Starting tomorrow!
Just wanted to get that off my chest before I went to sleep. Night night readers. Xo
Note: Oops, I can’t take the credit for the “champagne bar” comment, that was all Mat! Keep Reading.
Mat Wilcox, photo credit: The Globe and Mail.
In the field of Public Relations, one woman in particular stands out. Her name is Mat Wilcox, founder and CEO of the Wilcox Group. Just to give you a bit of an idea of what Mat does on a daily basis, she and her team handle corporate communications and crisis management. For example, when we were all hearing about the Avian Bird Flu scare, or H1N1 sine influenza, Mat was behind the scenes managing the communications side of these high-profile crises. Pretty big stuff hey? Impressive doesn’t do Mat justice.
A bit more background from The Wilcox Group website:
In 1995, Mat founded Wilcox Group, one of Canada’s largest national corporate communications and crisis management firms.
Mat has provided strategy and counsel to prominent Canadian business leaders on more than $4 billion worth of merger and acquisition projects, garnering millions of dollars in media coverage and national – and international – headlines. She has personally advised CEOs of multibillion-dollar, publicly-traded organizations and provided key counsel to client accounts including TELUS, KFC Canada, Obelysk Inc., Scott’s REIT, Translink, BHP Billiton, Whole Foods Market, Dave Wireless, and Priszm Income Fund.
I believe the word you are now looking for, is WOW. I know, right?
So how did a fairly new blogger like myself come in contact with such an outstanding and powerful woman? I’ve been familiar with the Wilcox group for sometime now and so when I joined Twitter I looked Mat Wilcox up and immediately became one of her followers. Oh, the power of Twitter! Anyone who spends enough time around me is lucky enough to hear me go on about how much I adore Twitter.
Let me take a moment out here and take this opportunity to tell all of you non-Twitterers what you are missing out on: if there is someone you admire, say a celebrity, a journalist or a woman of PR BRILLIANCE with fun, witty 140 character “tweets,” GET ON TWITTER AND START FOLLOWING. What makes Twitter so amazing is the contact it allows you to connect with just about anyone. I often tweet to @FLAREmagazine, and now, oh happy day! Flare magazine follows me on Twitter! And this is how my relationship with Mat Wilcox came to be.
Mat sent out 140 characters saying something cute about how she wasn’t getting full use out of her kitchen at the time, so I responded and she wrote back!
StyleStruck @matwilcox I really think modern kitchens ought to accommodate the modern woman: more shelving, perhaps a shoe rack or two and a wine cellar
MatWilcox @StyleStruck And a full on champagne bar. Plus an automatic hair stylist.
StyleStruck @matwilcox you speak my language!
That was a big day for me.
In January I got to thinking, I’d like to publish a few posts about inspiring and influential established and up-and-coming women. All are Vancouver women with a story to share, and a closet that would make any girl a little envious! Here is the first interview; the role fashion plays in a busy, professional and fabulous woman’s life:
StyleStruck: How do you think fashion influences your life?
Mat Wilcox: I am a minimalist. I look at fashion that I can travel in easily. I have offices in Toronto and Vancouver so I buy two of everything that I love so I don’t have to pack a suitcase. When you travel as much as I do you want clothes that can stand up to airplanes yet look professional and stylish at all times. i.e. my Laboutins!
SS: How does fashion help you shape your personal image/identity?
MW: I am a big fan of structural and clean lines. I love the minimalist look – especially a black turtleneck and riding boots. However, that said, I am having to break away from my all black routine. My favourite designer these days is Pink Tartan – they have a striped coral wrap dress that’s the perfect day to dinner dress for spring. The silk jersey fabric makes it an amazing solution for a weekend away – just pack and go!
SS: What is your favourite occasion to get dressed for?
MW: Truthfully, I don’t enjoy black tie events and fussy hair even though I have to attend a lot of these kinds of functions. My favourite occasion is well…New York anything. I do love to get dressed in New York. It is where I feel most comfortable, especially in the fall. Maybe it’s the all black theme women wear there? I like the sophistication of the city and I feel like a million dollars there.
SS: What have you learned about fashion as your style as changed?
MW: I learned early on to buy the most expensive classic style you can afford. I remember when I was broke buying two items a year. The great thing was that over time you build a wardrobe. Amazingly I still have those pieces (i.e. a classic Chanel bag) and I rotate them in and out.
SS: How did you get your start in Public Relations?
MW: I launched the Globe and Mail newspaper in Western Canada. That was my first PR job and I immediately loved it and knew I had found my niche. From there I worked at the Olympics, Hyatt Hotels and then started my own corporate communications firm. We specialize in corporate communications and crisis management for major companies all over North America.
SS: What part of your job do you enjoy most?
MW: I really enjoy working with our clients and coming up with solutions. I sit on several corporate and charitable boards and really enjoy my work with them. It’s a challenge and keeps me thinking.
As I edit and re-read this post I can’t help but feel an urge to be entrepreneurial! I hope you do too! : ) Check back for more of these over the coming weeks!
And of course, a big THANK YOU to Mat for generously giving her time!!
XO StyleStruck
