{ Wearing: Zara sweater, Fidelity pants, Ted Baker belt, Manolo Blahnik flats, H&M sunnies, Fossil watch, Poshlocket bangles (c/o) }

Some days you just want to say #$&% to the tight waist bands, fitted [...]]]>

{ Wearing: Zara sweater, Fidelity pants, Ted Baker belt, Manolo Blahnik flats, H&M sunnies, Fossil watch, Poshlocket bangles (c/o) }

Some days you just want to say #$&% to the tight waist bands, fitted jeans and high, high heels. Those days are often Sundays. Sundays bring no fashion events, no meetings, just coffee strolls and brunch dates. And I want to enjoy brunch with my comfortable pants on, like these Fidelity cargo pants. I know you hear me when I say there is nothing worse than digging into your delicious eggs benny and mimosa only to feel like you’re about to pop the button on your trousers. You know that post-brunch shift in your chair thing, when you’re trying to get comfortable but your constricting skirt won’t allow it? Yeah, that’s the worst. We’re spending Sunday morning in Blaine as a result of an over-nighter birthday party bash at a beach house. And these pants are coming with me!

Happy brunch-day Sunday!

P.S. Many thanks to Poshlocket for the bangles, I am absolutely in LOVE with them, as seen here and here on instagram. Get yours here!

{ Twik anorak (c/o Simons.ca – can you tell I’ve been quite into this coat as of late?), JNBY blouse (c/o), Mavi denim (c/o), Aldo sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Fossil watch, H&M sunnies }

On Wednesday evening I [...]]]>

{ Twik anorak (c/o Simons.ca – can you tell I’ve been quite into this coat as of late?), JNBY blouse (c/o), Mavi denim (c/o), Aldo sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Fossil watch, H&M sunnies }

On Wednesday evening I met up with Eryne Ordel (Mavi Canada’s PR & Marketing Manager), for a drink at the fabulous Hotel Georgia‘s outdoor, fourth floor lounge Reflections. Just being there is a treat. I ordered a Cosmopolitan Daisy martini – a cosmo made with gin instead of vodka and oh my, was it ever good. I’ll definitely be going back for another one of those! I walked the few blocks home afterwards to co-host a couple friends for a movie night which meant popcorn, m&m’s, red wine and spring rolls… so much for my diet. Our movie of choice: The Count of Monte Cristo – sooo good! Do you host friends over very often? We’ve just started having people over to our new place and are really enjoying it! My key host necessities: a couple scented candles lit, one on the coffee table and one near the door to create ambiance, a great bottle of wine, blankets draped over the couch for easy access during the movie and fancy wine glasses – you know the ones.

{ Wearing: Joe Fresh sweater (last seen here), Zara trousers, Vince Camuto shoes, Kate Spade bag, Fossil watch, Storey bow bracelet, diamonte bracelet – unknown: (bracelets close-up), H&M sunnies (my favorite), Stella & [...]]]>

{ Wearing: Joe Fresh sweater (last seen here), Zara trousers, Vince Camuto shoes, Kate Spade bag, Fossil watch, Storey bow bracelet, diamonte bracelet – unknown: (bracelets close-up), H&M sunnies (my favorite), Stella & Dot stackable rings }

Miss Alicia Fashionista and I met yesterday morning for an indulgent cup of chai tea latte at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s divine cafe, Bel Cafe. It’s amazing what an invigorating conversation can do for your mood. After our drinks we crossed the street to the Vancouver Art Gallery where I have been wanting to snap shots for some time now. Alicia took these for me. TGIF! Have a fabulous weekend! I plan to spend mine finishing Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich, watching a couple episodes of Dexter – George and I can’t get enough, though I squirm at the gore-insinuated bits, and going for light jogs – summer trousers are less forgiving than winter denim.

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My last post featured this new treasure: a Kate Spade that I just adore. And it was chalk of my “necessities!” As my second to last post of 2011, here is my second “what’s in my bag?” post! (Here is the first - WHOA look at that hair!)

My last post featured this new treasure: a Kate Spade that I just adore. And it was chalk of my “necessities!” As my second to last post of 2011, here is my second “what’s in my bag?” post! (Here is the first - WHOA look at that hair!)

{ From top left: LOVE + MARK’D cards: I always carry these now as people tend to ask what they’re about, much easier to show than to tell! Anna Sui lipstick: this is such a pretty and feminine pink, Chanel Chance lotion, Vaseline to cure those rough winter lips and hands, Benefit Hoola matte bronzing powder, Gal Collection Vaselina lip balm (c/o Barefoot Contessa), Essential Beauty brush, Pout blush in Pearly Queen: my most under-used beauty piece of 2011, Coach wallet, Blackberry (how I loathe thee), The Drake Hotel pen & Poppy Coach pencil (from a set) }

{ Echinacea: for trumping that sore throat! Mail: I am constantly at the post office sending off packages of pretty cards! Gallery Leather scheduler, uh ohh… need a new one in 2 more days! I would fall apart without this thing. Fossil watch. Keys with a Coach key chain that makes them remarkably easy to find, a Chanel USB stick (c/o a gift bag at a Chanel event about a year ago), Armani sunnies and oodles of stamps }

Thoughts… Looking into your bag and comparing it year upon year is rather interesting. My how life can change! And as we go into this new year, a perfect time for fresh starts, may I remind you that you most certainly CAN do anything you want. Just four months ago I was crazy enough to quit my job and pursue a little dream and selling my stationery. I had more than a few “grown-ups” with “real jobs” (a.k.a. conventional) roll their eyes at me. And fair enough, my vision may not pan out. But why not take the chance? Do whatever it is you dream of, there is near nothing more rewarding. (Or call me crazy. ;))  Bisous! 

{Wearing: Ralph Lauren sweater, vintage Liz Sport shirt, BCBG Max Azria pants, boots found at Winners, brand unknown, watches: Michael Kors, Fossil. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Coach wallet.}

** Just launched today from LOVE + MARK’D: 

{Wearing: Ralph Lauren sweater, vintage Liz Sport shirt, BCBG Max Azria pants, boots found at Winners, brand unknown, watches: Michael Kors, Fossil. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Coach wallet.}

** Just launched today from LOVE + MARK’D: The Paris Collection! Très chic! 

{Wearing: Vintage reversible cape, Momentous Moments shirt (c/o), Fidelity Denim, Steve Madden boots (old), Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Fossil watch, Armani sunnies, C.C Exclusives angora beret (c/o Barefoot Contessa)}

I mentioned in my last post that [...]]]>

{Wearing: Vintage reversible cape, Momentous Moments shirt (c/o), Fidelity Denim, Steve Madden boots (old), Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Fossil watch, Armani sunnies, C.C Exclusives angora beret (c/o Barefoot Contessa)}

I mentioned in my last post that Sunday was to be a relaxing festive kind of day, and it was! We started with brunch in Yaletown and a little downtown shopping at my favorite Homer St. home stores, followed by the Santa Claus Parade and a midday pick me up (coffee and Bailey’s) at the beyond fabulous Hawksworth restaurant lounge. Sunday pretty much made other days feel bad… Except for today, because today is Giveaway Monday!

Thanks to Barefoot Contessa I am giving away this C.C Exclusives angora beret! Well, not this exact one, you get to have a new one! ;) Oh, and there are two colors for you to choose from! This taupe or a soft grey! Hmm, which color would look better with your fabulous winter coat??

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: comment (above) on this post that you want to add a beret to winter fashion-arsenal (your style is killer!) and tweet ”I want to win an adorable beret from @so_lovely & @StyleStruck! http://bit.ly/s7fdes” Berets are so French and so cute.

Pssst! For an extra chance at winning like StyleStruck.ca and Barefoot Contessa on Facebook! (Because you can never have enough extra chances at winning! Much like how you can never have enough diamonds.)

The giveaway goes until Thursday and ends at 4 pm PST.

P.P.S. The lovely Cassandra of Chanel & Caviar posted the sweetest write up about me and LOVE + MARK’D today! Thank you Cassy!

{Wearing: H&M mens sweater (current), Merona shirt from Target (circa… 2006… here’s a newer, better one), Zara pleated leather skirt (similar here), Browns ID boots, scarf from a rack in Sears (again, circa the old-er days, 2007. Similar here – I want [...]]]>

{Wearing: H&M mens sweater (current), Merona shirt from Target (circa… 2006… here’s a newer, better one), Zara pleated leather skirt (similar here), Browns ID boots, scarf from a rack in Sears (again, circa the old-er days, 2007. Similar here – I want this one too!), vintage Raybans, Fossil watch}

I spent the day reliving Constance Prep from the early days of Gossip Girl. Anyone else miss Blair’s shiny red gloss, endless supply of headbands and her daily take on the Constance neck tie? I do. Besides the fashion, you know what else makes me miss the first seasons of GG? How bad the new ones are. It’s become a real soap. But I still watch, for Blair.

T-minus 1 hour and 57 minutes until Jason Wu makes his appearance at The Room at The Bay and I haven’t a clue what should be worn for such fashion royalty. There isn’t a designer I love more (even King Karl sits behind Wu in my line up). Remember the lace head pieces from his Fall 2011 presentation? Too good. Now I’m getting myself worked up. I am literally sitting at my desk half dressed (put those thoughts away!) because I can’t make a decision. Part of me wants to wear purple cords. Shut up, Olivia, bad idea, bad idea… but maybe if I paired them with sequins… and silver heels, Chanel heels! But is that weird if I wear Chanel to see Wu? If only I owned some Wu then all my problems would be solved! Perhaps I should nip out to Holts and get some Wu… and then not eat for a week month. No. Nuts. I’m nuts. … But if I didn’t eat for a month then I could actually fit into the Wu… How’d you like that? A few seconds inside my head, imagine what it’s like to live in here all the time.

I shall take a million and one photos tonight. Off to battle the closet. Au revoir!

Having done a number of small trips lately, I’m getting much better at packing light and packing only the essentials. In fact, on this last trip to Edmonton (five days!), I brought only one small-ish duffel bag. Even my boyfriend packed more than I did. (Granted, I did make him carry [...]]]>

Having done a number of small trips lately, I’m getting much better at packing light and packing only the essentials. In fact, on this last trip to Edmonton (five days!), I brought only one small-ish duffel bag. Even my boyfriend packed more than I did. (Granted, I did make him carry my hair dryer.)

{My favourite travel bag: a classic LeSportsSac duffel that has a bevy of pockets, is the perfect carry-on size and folds neatly for storage}

{Neutral pieces: Fossil rose gold chronograph watch (similar Fossil watch, similar Michael Kors watch), Joia leather & chain link bracelet, New Look (London) crystal bracelet (similar here)}

{Brightly colored electronics: Urbanears headphones (c/o), Apple iPod}

{For working while away: Apple iPad, case from a small shop in Paris, brand unknown (a semi-similar case here, and for the ultra luxe traveler and I’M DYING for this iPad case), Gallery Leather scheduler}

{Tried and true make-up: Chanel pink blush, Soulstice Spa Odessa nail colour (c/o),  Anna Sui Lip Rouge #303, pearl earrings, H&M make-up bag – I love the shape of this little bag}

{A belt that can be worn cinched around the waist or through your pant loops: Zara leather studded belt}

{Cozy, versatile sweaters: Rag & Bone cashmere cardigan, Attitude by Jay Manuel Cream cable-knit (c/o Sears)}

{If you’re selling a product or a service, it’s always smart to travel with business cards and a product sample (if possible): LOVE + MARK’D stationery}

{Comfortable shoes – and you can see I’ve worn this pair a lot: Joe Fresh loafers (similar here)}

As for the clothes, I try to pack a lot of neutrals so that all pieces will work together like: skinny dark denim, black denim and light denim, white and grey cotton T’s for layering, a black silk blouse for night, a soft black V-neck sweater and a red pea coat. Red goes with everything.

OH! And FYI fabulous readers! Scent Society is giving away 30 dual Forbidden Euphoria roller balls from Calvin Klein daily! Click here to enter!

Good luck! 

{Flowers arrived at my door this morning along with a beautiful new fragrance I will be reviewing soon}

If you’re going out tonight to a Halloween fête, I sincerely wish you [...]]]> {Cozy inside, with Vogue, while the rain blusters away outside. Wearing: Vintage angora sweater, Guess? dress, Fossil watch}

{Flowers arrived at my door this morning along with a beautiful new fragrance I will be reviewing soon}

If you’re going out tonight to a Halloween fête, I sincerely wish you a rain-proof evening –  I suggest trying one of those clear garbage bags over your costume. Hey, it worked when I was five. ; )

{Layered in clothing and jewelry from Courtney Boutique in Kerrisdale, Fossil watch, Stella & Dot rings, boots by Browns}

And I want to keep you toasty warm and cozy too! Which is why I [...]]]>

{Layered in clothing and jewelry from Courtney Boutique in Kerrisdale, Fossil watch, Stella & Dot rings, boots by Browns}

And I want to keep you toasty warm and cozy too! Which is why I am partnering with Courtney Boutique to give away this KENSIE SWEATER as seen on their blog! But this isn’t the only fabulous Fall sweater Courtney Boutique has in stock, they’re seriously topped up with gorgeously patterned, woolly sweaters. A must-shop.

TO ENTER:

Tweet: “I just entered to win the @CourtneyBoutiq x @StyleStruck Fall sweater giveaway! http://stylestruck.ca/?p=5457“

Tweet as many times as you like! Every tweet counts! AND further enhance your chances of winning this gorgeous cover up by LIKING Courtney Boutique on Facebook!

The giveaway will be going until Saturday afternoon, when the winner is chosen (at random), at 3pm!

Hip hip hurray for free clothes! 

]]> http://stylestruck.ca/keeping-cozy/feed/ 0 http://stylestruck.ca/in-the-park/ http://stylestruck.ca/in-the-park/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:24:46 +0000 Olivia http://stylestruck.ca/?p=5125

{Wearing: Rag & Bone cardigan, H&M shirt, J Company denim, Miu Miu shoes, vintage [...]]]>

{Wearing: Rag & Bone cardigan, H&M shirt, J Company denim, Miu Miu shoes, vintage bag, Fossil rose gold watch, Michael Kors tortoise-shell style watch, bracelet purchased from a street vendor in SoHo, NYC, vintage cocktail ring purchased at Darling in NYC’s Greenwich Village, Stella & Dot rings. Nail colour “Odessa” by Soulstice Spa, c/o NailPolishCanada.com}

I was recently give the opportunity to choose three bottles of vegan nail polish by Soulstice Spa from NailPolishCanada.com. Needing a break from the usual deep nail colours of Fall, I decided to go with three lighter but versatile colours; from left Kyoto, Odessa and Paris. I haven’t had the chance to try Kyoto yet, but am loving Paris and Odessa so far. The polish goes on smooth and doesn’t chip. Fab-u-lous.

{Paris}

{Odessa}

And I have some fab news for you! My friends at NailPolishCanada.com are offering StyleStruck readers 50% off of my current favourite colour, Odessa! Insert code styleodessa at checkout and receive your discount! Offer good until October 7th. Click here to buy!

{ Wearing: H&M poncho/cape, Zara trousers, Nine West wedges, Fossil watch, Armani glasses [...]]]> (Posted now, written earlier at 4 pm…) This morning I took off to Vancouver Island to visit my Dad for a weekend on the water. I know you’re not supposed to wear heels on a boat, but wedges don’t count, right?

I aimed to pack light this trip, bringing a small black nylon Le Sport Sac bag as my weekender with only the essentials. And of course my iPad with its adorable faux croc black patent case. Oh and some books! I’m particularly enjoying Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” for his perception on life and thoughts on how to better your relationships with others as well as yourself. A recommended read! As I write this I’m sipping a glass of red looking onto the ocean towards Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. It is so perfectly peaceful and quiet here and exactly what I needed after an intense week. Thursday night after one of “those days” I bought myself a bouquet of yellow roses and every time I look at them they make me smile. That’s one of the ways I unwind, how do you relax? Read your favorite magazine with a glass of wine? Sit in the sun? Light a delicious candle and pour yourself a bath? These simple things are some of life’s luxuries. I think we should all treasure the time we have to be with ourselves, enjoying our own company and taking pleasure in something small. The rewards are big! : )

Xo StyleStruck

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad – how fabulous!