I know there are millions of us out there, women who LOVE designer fashion, (for more than just the label of course, there’s the uniqueness, the design house’s history, the quality-most of the time, the fabrics and how we feel in it), but can’t realistically figure a $2000 piece into their budget. It seems crazy hey? Most of us don’t even pay that much in rent each month! But every now and then we save up and splurge, or are crazy enough to pull out our plastic. (Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet built her business on this!) I’ve been known to spend up to $500 retail on an item, and so far that’s my limit. Most often, if I want designer I only allow myself to dig through the sale racks. I don’t really care if an item is from a season or two back, I think that good design stands the test of time, especially if the piece is by a house like Chanel, or Lanvin. Actually, almost every designer item I own I bought at a vintage shop or as part of a terrific sale, ex: Chanel silver pumps, $400 from $950, sequin Miu Miu’s for $4oo from $1000. And most recently the Jason Wu skirt! $100 from $1635. I still can’t get over pricing a skirt like that, and it’s not even made of gold. Anyways, I thought I’d show you this skirt that retails for approximately 1.7 times my rent:

How to find designer deals? From my experience, the best place to find a good deal, (an item that you love at a marked down price that fits your budget), is to buy from the quality American shops after they’ve marked down. Sadly, Canadian shops don’t often have giant sales where you can get big designers for cheap, although you can sometimes find a steal at Brown’s. Visiting the states when the stores have just brought in the next season’s lines is THE BEST TIME to buy! This is when the previous season’s merchandise is seriously marked down. The funny thing is, say in July when Fall is starting to arrive in store, the Summer merchandise is on sale, yet, the hot weather has only just begun. It almost makes me feel bad for retailers, I suppose most people wait for the sales, as I do. If you have any tips for finding great deals, let me know! 

Xo StyleStruck

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

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

Well, that day of all things mushy, red and lacy is almost upon us. Have you made your Valentines plans yet?? If not, I have some Valentines Day suggestions!

Because February 14th is one of those days on which most people strive to impress, here is a list of 5 of my top romantic spots that will be worth the $$$ spent: 

1. Cioppino’s in Yaletown – 1133 Hamilton St. 604 688 7466   $$$

Cioppino’s is a classic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant situated along the cobble-stone like brick sidewalk, (girls in stilettos beware!!) of Yaletown. If you plan to eat here, I recommend requesting a table in the Enoteca room. The main room of the restaurant is lovely, but this back room is beautifully lit with candles at night and is very romantic. Lining the walls of the room are the restaurant’s supply of wine which adds to the Italian charm of Cioppino’s. Highly recommended. 

2. Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel – 845 Hornby St. 604 689 7777   $$$

I have never seen as decadent an interior as the one in Bacchus. Many of the seats are done in plush velvet and there are huge flower arrangements surrounding the tables. The environment is decidedly luxurious, with a bit of an old world feeling. I have only been to Bacchus for brunch and for drinks so I’m not able to comment on the food, but I have only heard great things! Note to guys: this place will most definitely impress any lady!

3. Yew at The Four Seasons – 791 W. Georgia 604 689 9333   $$$

If you’re looking for a restaurant that is contemporary yet warm, Yew is the right place for you. The interior is gorgeous with a lofty 12 ft ceiling, rich wood panelling and a floor-to-ceiling sandstone fireplace. The menu features items from “the Pacific region,” as they say on their website. I have never had a bad dining experience at Yew. Sometime last year I enjoyed a dessert for two that was something like a sundae in a huge martini glass, now I’m not sure if they still serve this, but if they do, indulge and let me know so I can say “I told you so!” Note to girls: On Fridays Yew hosts “Dive Fridays” from 2:30-10:00pm when ladies wearing pink are entitled to a free appy!

4. Bridges on Granville Island – 604 687 4400   $$$

I’ve never seen a view like I have from the upstairs patio at Bridges. It was a warm summer evening when I was there, but even in the winter with the sun setting the Burrard Inlet is nothing short of gorgeous. Bridges is the House of Switzerland during the Olympic games and so for the two weeks there is a separate Swiss menu to choose from for both day and night. One item in particular from the day menu caught my eye; Macaroni with ham, potatoes, onions and cream with a side of apple sauce, ($17). Talk about comfort food! And for dessert, Swiss carrot cake! Why not make this a destination dinner with a walk along English Bay’s seawall and then a boat ride over to Granville Island? (Boarding is just under the Aquatic Centre at the end of the sea wall when walking east). Two can ride the cute little boats for $5. Adorable. 

5. Sandbar on Granville Island – 1535 Johnston St. 604 669 9030   $$

Another fabulous date spot! Sandbar has a very cozy atmosphere with excellent staff who are ready to recommend a brilliant wine to pair with your fish, steak or pasta. The year-round patio is heated and has a lovely view of the water, very romantic! Sandbar is an excellent choice if you are looking for seafood. Ask the server what their feature dish is, each night the restaurant will prepare a list of meals only available for the evening prepared fresh that day!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TIP YOUR SERVER. No one likes a stingy date. It’s just as bad, or worse than a date with bad breath. On that note, carry extra mints. Here to help. ; )

Also, obvious, but worth mentioning, CALL AHEAD FOR RESERVATIONS! 

And now for some pictures:

This is me in all my casual-Valentines-Day-inspired-outfit-glory. 2nd pic from bottom: Trying to get the shot, I fell -whoosh!- backwards. I try so hard for you readers. Wearing: Lips printed top from the Patricia Field shop in NYC, Zara jeans and Miu Miu pumps with rose-gold rolex, just kidding! Rose gold Fossil watch.

HAVE A LOVELY VALENTINES DAY!! 

XO StyleStruck