Currently viewing the tag: "Zara"
{Wearing: Tevro + Chase coat, 2 Elles sweater (from Paris), vintage kilt, Zara boots & leather bag, Harrods rain bag}
{Sometimes colours don’t photograph as they are, which is a real shame and is the situation with my favourite red Mountie-esque coat.}
Photos shot just around the corner from Burnaby and Nicola in the West End.
Just before I left for Europe I had the delight of being treated to a complimentary eyebrow shaping at Bombay Brow Bar‘s new West 4th location. On the day of, I was feeling a little camera shy – the threading left my eyebrows a little red, which is to be expected (the red went away within a couple hours – and so I avoided taking snaps. Wish I had, the decor of Bombray Brow Bar is adorable and fabulous. And my brows were pleased as punch with their new shape, in fact, the shape has held so well that I’m just now thinking of going back to get a little cleaning up done. As you may have seen in my last post, I’m brow-crazy right now. Likely thanks to model Arizona Muse, check out her set here.
When I got out of the bath this morning afternoon (the luxury of working from home!), I felt inspired to try out a DIY eyebrow/eyelash tinting kit from Beauty Mark in Yaletown. I thought it wise to forgo the eyelash colouring – I have a tendency to slip up those kinds of close-to-the-eye things, like putting on mascara – and just stick to the brows. I’ve always wanted darker brows. Here’s my documented adventure with Depend Instant Colour kit.
Depend eyebrow/eyelash colour-tinting kit
The before brows {towel from HomeSense}
Slicked petroleum jelly onto the skin around my brows to prevent the colour from bleeding
Waiting for the colour gel to do its thing - scary...
The results are darker than I had anticipated, but I’m thinking they’ll likely fade after a few washes. For now I’m quite enjoying having dramatic brows after suffering for years of too-light-brow syndrome.
{Wearing: JNBY Fall 2011 sweater (c/o), skirt from Bang-On, Boots: brand unknown (Balmain copy cat!), Fossil watch, leather Zara wallet, “William Tell Me About OPI” OPI nailpolish, Depend eyebrow tint c/o Beauty Mark}
I’ve got to make a note about this sweater: it is fabulous. It’s that perfect piece to throw on when I want to look polished but not have to try at all. Last night I wore it to dinner with a pair of dark, waxed, flared jeans and felt quite chic, like the Angelina Jolie brand of chic: she seriously owns the loose casual sweater, aviators and minimal make-up look.
It’s raining here in Vancouver, you know what’s good about that? Hot teas in to-go cups, cute umbrellas and soggy dogs.
Tuesday morning and the alarm goes off, and I miss it. Then I realize I have 30 minutes to dress and get over to a DKNY fall fashion preview on South Granville – insert fashion panic here. (A fashion panic is different from the usual morning panic because it involves a lot of running around trying to find the right necklace with the right blouse – items that haven’t been worn to an event or featured in a blog post recently – and trying to achieve that fashion editor hair: perfectly, effortlessly messy, which obviously takes work.) Don’t let these casual shots fool you, there was no calm at the Haus of StyleStruck this morning.
{ Wearing: Brooks Brothers chambray shirt, Talula Babaton trousers, Christian Louboutin cork sandals, Zara bag, New Look chain necklace, Fossil rose gold watch, aviators from Paris }
Whatdya think of my little kitchen? It’s made for microwave meals, though I do my best to cook as much as I can in it. Don’t even bother telling me how much you envy my 1960′s tile laminate or counter tops, I already know it. (Ha!) On the fridge is a sweet bon bons bag I picked up in Paris (it was full of sweets at the time), a pink dry erase board and decorative jugs on top. My yellow mug is from Harrods and in it I’m drinking tea from Ladurée, another delight from Paris. The pine mirror that you see a smidgen of I made in wood-shop class back in high school. I actually have a few pieces in my home that I have made. And that unsightly brown box behind me by the door? Proud to say that is now empty as I’ve just assembled a new piece of “office” (but more realistically a section of living room) furniture for my new biz. Which will launch soon. Tease.
The DKNY Fashion Preview – I’m going to let the clothes and bags do the talking…
{ Lisa Kwong of Tara Parker Tait PR passing out bags to Kendra of Van City Pretty, Lisa of SoloLisa and Jen of HerWaiseChoice }
{ The above woolly jacket: I want, I want, I want. }
Tweet me! Or post your stylish outfit on my Facebook page! Xo.
{ Wearing: Zara leather jacket, New Look white tee (London), JNBY fall 2011 pants (c/o), Zara heels, vintage leather bag (once belonged to my Dad), Accessorize necklace, Stella & Dot ring, aviators from Paris }
Ready for Fall! No posts this past weekend, I spent the weekend away with my boyfriend on my Dad’s boat on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
{ This is by no means a fashion shot, it’s boat-wear: Talula army jacket, H&M mens’ sweater & white tee, Dynamite leggings (not worn as pants as my sweater and jacket cover everything), Coach sneakers, New Era hat, no make-up (Eeek.) }
{ A quick pic of me at the Global Party last Thursday night at Opus in Yaletown. This was taken in the Penthouse suite. Wearing: Diane von Furstenburg dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs Clutch, Fossil watch, Chanel silver heels (link includes a Chanel DIY fix-it, which I used the day of the Global Party!). More pics to come! }
Today started off in the best way; with fashion! Tara Parker Tait PR and the NYC reps from Eileen Fisher held a breakfast presentation for the fashion crowd this morning at the Eileen Fisher store on South Granville (2721 S Granville). We mingled as mini smoothies, french toast and coffee were passed around and viewed the favorite Fall looks. I’m happy to report the rain didn’t stop the attendees from looking super stylish, like a preggo lady dressed to the nines in a long body skimming skirt, a loose knit top, killer snakeskin print stilettos and fantastic accessories, not to mention perfect Bardot-esque hair. Oh to be so put together!
{ Wearing: Zara blouse, Fidelity denim, Ballin shoes, Gianni Chiarini bag, Michael Kors watch, Stella & Dot rings and sweater brand unknown – new hair colour by Suki’s! I’ve gone a warmer, darker blonde for Fall and loving it! (A year ago at this time my hair was looking like this! #GrowingPains) }
That’s my coffee sitting there. I’d love to own a loose knit sweater like this, it’d be fantastic belted over flared denim.
Malania Dela Cruz gave us colour with our coffee
I want, I need, I can’t live without. So many perfect layering pieces, Eileen Fisher, welcome to Canada!
P.S. Event Notice: Who’s going to Spend on Trend this weekend on Main St?? A perfect time to mix vintage with pleasure!
White?! After Labor Day?! Oh my! Oh yes! I love white. White on white on white. My bedroom is all white; it’s like waking up at a lovely beach house. Wearing white, and like colours, makes me feel so fresh and crisp. And feminine!
{ Wearing well travelled pieces: Tara Jarmon blouse (Paris), Oasis jeans (London), Kate Spade bag (Palm Dessert), Zara shoes and sunnies from who-knows-where (they cost about $3, but I love them) }
“Fashion is my happy place!” – Rachel Zoe. Me too!
{ Wearing: Vintage blouse from Front & Company, Zara pants & shoes, vintage Ingledews snakeskin bag, bracelets: H&M, New Look (London), Michael Kors watch, Armani sunnies }
As I type this I am savoring a brick of lemon tart – it’s literally enormous, I shall be sitting here on the Thierrypatio for quite some time. Oh, the sweet afternoons of summer.
Very much looking forward to the Standing Armed show tonight – especially seeing the bloggers out in full force! See you tonight! I’ll be live posting pictures from the show (the clothes! The Who’s Whos in attendance & the bloggers! Oh my!), on my Facebook page this evening!
Yesterday afternoon it was too glorious here in Vancouver not to get outside. On a bike, with a red rose. The man and I went on a fasntastic bike ride through Gastown, over the Burrard St bridge (gotta use those bike lanes!), and then to the False Creek and Yaletown seawalls where we eventually stopped for lunch (and there just so happened to be a man selling roses).
{ At lunch, wearing: silk top from the Patricia Field store on the Bowery in NYC, Zara pants, complete with bike grease, Zara flats and an a Guess backpack from oh, about 2005. Armani sunnies }
On our way through Gastown we stopped at Heth PR‘s office to pick up a little something with my name on it…
A key to the Global Party! I’ve always thought it would be so fabulous to need a key to get into somewhere, I remember reading about needing a key to get into Bungalow 8 back when it was in its heyday. The Global Party will be held in 80+ of the world’s finest locations at venues offering a night of ultimate luxury. Vancouver’s Global Party is to be held at Opus in mid-September. Can’t wait! Now, what to wear…
P.S. I’m holding a giveaway: a pair of GORG Stella & Dot earrings! Winner announced tomorrow! CLICK HERE for more & how to enter!
Friday afternoon in Vancouver totally calls for a dose of sequins.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
{ Wearing: Zara bomber jacket, Diane von Furstenburg dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace, Ballin shoes (Monaco), Zara bag, sunnies from Paris. }
Did you know I created a Facebook page for extra tid bits, like extra info, pics and out takes? Check it out! facebook.com/stylestruck.ca
Follow the conversation: find me on Twitter!
Xo.
{ Wearing: Mossimo trench, Ralph Lauren Sport cable-knit sweater, Zara blouse, Zara silk skirt, Michael Kors flats, Cole Haan bag. Michael Kors watch, bracelet from New Look (London). }
Last day of August you’d expect to be wearing shorts and a light blouse, no? Not here in Vancouver where it’s sitting at about 15〫C. But I don’t mind, I’ve been missing layering up, wearing my beloved trench and cuddling under blankets at home. Fall, welcome back!
(Don’t hate me. I’m just not a Summer girl.)
{ Wearing: Zara sweater, H&M tank, Rock & Republic jeans by Victoria Beckham – circa 2008, Marc by Marc Jacobs mary-janes – circa 2008, Shoe close-up tweeted here. Zara belt, scarf & aviators found in a small shop in Paris, Cole Haan bag – circa 2008. Evidently 2008 was a big purchasing year for me. It was also the year I went to NYC for the first time. }
{ I’ve had a love affair with this leather studded belt since the day I brought it home. The year was 2007 and it was a quick purchase at Zara as I’d just bought a pair of jeans that were a little loose at the waist, and of course I needed to wear them immediately. It has since become that piece that goes with everything, whether tied around my waist with a dress or buckled up around my hips with a pair of jeans. Just looking at it makes me happy! }
- All pictures taken on my iPad -
(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!
Ever have those weeks where you are in a bit of a mad rush to get yourself accustomed to a routine that is unfamiliar and in your haste completely forget to blog for four days? Well I do, and this week was it. Being back from a month in Europe, I feel like everything has changed. Perhaps it’s the new appreciation I have for the French way of life. Oh Paris, how I miss you. Let’s reminisce for a moment shall we; a look back at my visit to Principality of Monaco…
{ Top to Bottom: Strolling through Monte Carlo by the Chanel store – note the Chanel planters, the Grand Prix circuit through Monaco, a dance school named for Princess Grace, a decadent dessert served outside the Hotel de Paris and Monte Carlo Casino (needless to say it was a very, very expensive treat) and the harbor, filled with yachts. }
{ Wearing: Diane von Furstenburg eyelet wrap dress, Gianni Chiarini bag, Zara flats, Michael Kors watch and Armani sunnies }
If you visit Monaco, I highly recommend dressing up. I thought I looked the part, but I felt severely underdressed, particularly in Monte Carlo where the Casino sits high atop the hill. There millionaires parade their luxury cars, overly-groomed and tweaked women and bedazzled pets around as status symbols and the women carry Dior, Hermès and Louis Vuitton as if there wasn’t any other option. Oh yes, now I know why I felt underdressed, I forgot my Birkin! Silly me. ~
The weekend I came back to Vancouver my man, George, planned a few fun activities for us like visiting the Greater Vancouver Zoo and having a couples massage at Spa Utopia. Both were fantastic (swoon). Some may think I overdressed for the zoo, I think: “If the animals look fabulous in their prints and colors, why shouldn’t I try as well?” I particularly envied the pythons and the crocodile, though of course seeing them (and all the other animals), in their cages was disheartening.
{ Wearing: pink transparent net shirt which I purchased before a trip to Europe when I was 16 from who-knows-where-but-isn’t-it-great-I-can-still-fit-into-it, white H&M tank, pleated leather skirt from Zara, Christian Louboutin sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, necklace from a small one-off shop in Paris and ditto with the aviators }
Thank you for reading, you are fabulous. If I could, I’d pin a badge to your shirt that says, “Hello, I am Fabulous.” Pin it on for me because StyleStruck readers are Fab-u-lous. If you’d like more, I occasionally share my thoughts via a twit. I mean a tweet. (And if you want to ask me anything, Twitter is a good place to do it!)
Xo SS
I had a chance to stop by the Know?Show yesterday and meet some awesome people, one of which was street-style photographer Ian Azariah who snapped me for the Know?Show style blog! Being a self-employed (I pay myself in high heels), means having to pose for whoever I’m with – making for some questionable photos. (By questionable I mean highly unflattering and sometimes rather off – always include the shoes please, no one needs to see all that sky!) It was a real pleasure to be photographed by someone who knows exactly the style of photography I’m after!
{ Photo by Ian Azariah. Wearing: Zara sweater & pants, Ballin snakeskin heels, Michael Kors watch, aviators from Les Marais district in Paris }
Xo SS
{ We made it our mission that day to take a tour of the Paris sky, and what a worth while activity. We decided to avoid the lines at the Eiffel Tower (I’ve already been up it, back in 2004), and to see the view our way. Wearing: H&M tee, Zara belt and skirt. Franchi leather clutch, aviators and sandals from a small shop in Le Marai, Paris, Dior lipstick #361 }
This outfit is my every-day interpretation of Raf Simons’ Jil Sander Spring/Summer 2011 girl. (See Style.com’s, Tim Blanks hosted, video of the Jil Sander show here!) These photos were shot on our last full day in Paris. From the balloon ride we metro’d over to the major high-end department stores Galleries Lafayette and Printemps. What Galleries Lafayette calls home was once a grand Opera House. It really does make for gorgeous shopping. Not for me however, as I have come to the conclusion that no pretty things are worth their weight in lugging. You see, one thing I didn’t realize about traveling is that it is not all glamorous, no matter how pretty outfits you pack (which you then have to carry). Between each destination are trains and busses to be taken, millions of stairs to be ascended with suitcases in tow (older towns generally haven’t put in elevators at their travel stops - woe is us!), and endless tourists to weave around. The result is a sweaty, much less made up version of yourself than when you left the hotel that morning. With that said, I have tried to glam up as much as possible! At Printemps we dined at their Brasserie (click Brasserie option at bottom), on the 6th floor for lunch under a magnificent stained-glass dome and then later enjoyed a treat at Ladurée amongst fine jewelry on the accessories floor. It made for a fabulous last day in Paris!
{ A view of Paris from the balloon }
Xo StyleStruck
{ Sitting by the River Seine enjoying freshly squeezed orange juice and a freshly baked croissant! Mmmm }
Paris is truly an enchanting city. Everywhere you look there is a story to be told, lovers kissing on a bridge, great history and architecture and incredible beauty. It’s as if the sun shines brighter here and the the sunsets are more intense. Even the pigeons in Paris are cute. Some of my favourite things (albeit simple things), so far about this city are all the cafes whose tables and chairs spill out onto the sidewalks. All the bakes goods are fresh that day and people here carry baguettes around with them in their bike baskets. Dogs go everywhere, as they are treated like a furry humans in France and the women all have a seemingly innate sense of style. They really know how to work a structured blazer and leather flats. With all the adorable pastries and desserts around, how, oh how, do they stay so thin?? I could not resist the croissants…
{ Order your croissant (cwaasant) to go and here’s how you’ll get it! Tres mignon }
{ French treats are the best pick-me-up during shopping in Le Marais (a historic district in Paris). My first eclair! }
{ As we headed back towards our hotel the sun started to set and we thought, we ought to go sit on the lawn at the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of french wine! So first we got the wine... }
{ Wearing: Zara blouse, Dorothy Perkins chain necklace, Armani sunnies, Gianni Chiarini bag, Zara flats, a man present from the Swedish store Cos for G, and a bottle of rose brut! }
{ Sandals from some teeny little shop in Le Marais, and pink bubbles to go with the sparkling Eiffel Tower! }
{ Oh yes, I do indeed have a bottle in my hand in a public area. Scan-da-lous! }
Xo SS
Shall we talk about how this all started? It’s certainly not everyday I bring home a Dior bag as big as me.
We started the day out with a stroll down the popular shopping street Champs Elysées, but of course not before a banana and Nutella crepe from our favourite boulangerie!
We visited the Arc de Triomphe, and as you can see had a little fun at Louis Vuitton…
I found this fabulous LV authored guide book of NYC – they’ve created a series of some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. I most certainly plan on returning to Manhattan again and again, and why not have the LV guide when I do? Until then it shall be a very nice addition to the coffee table. And they wrapped it soo nicely.
After conquering Champs Elysées we turned down the Rue Montaigne where the heavy hitters live. We’re talkin Prada, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Fendi and Gucci, among others. We came across this gorgeous hotel along the way, the Plaza Athénée, can you recognize it? I’ll give you a hint…
Oh yes, for all you Sex and the City lovers, this is indeed the hotel where Carrie bradshaw stayed in Paris. I shall never forget the scene where she squealed when she saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time. And in case you’re wondering, rates at the Plaza Athénée start at about €800.00. Then Carrie went to Dior, and I did too…
{ Wearing: Brooks Brothers chambray shirt, H&M tank, Zara belt, trousers and sandals. Armani sunnies, Fossil watch and Gianni Chiarini carryall }
I took great pleasure in walking down the Rue Montaigne with this ridiculously ENORMOUS bag, as I suspect it gave people the opportunity to think of what a big spender I am. In fact, this bag holds two overly packaged, rather small Dior pieces for the home. Small, but fabulous. This Dior store is the only location that houses a “gift” compartment. What they mean by “gift” is beautiful Dior pieces like crystal, glassware, tableware, blankets, trays, decorative pieces, bedding etc. that a very wealthy person might want to bring back for someone. This to me was more like the “splurge on your own home if your credit card can handle it” section. As I mentioned, I picked out two pieces, a small white decorative tray for displaying perhaps perfume and a candle, and two white ceramic heart-shaped bowls that came as a set, one smaller than the other and both printed with “Dior” on the underside. Both of my purchases were rather reasonable I thought, for Dior anyhow. Then I bought a lipstick and things really got out of hand. Tthey really like their packaging at Dior, and so we have “the unwrapping of Dior” next:
I am just in love with this little tray. Too cute. I didn’t unpack the other purchase; those two bowls, as they’re quite breakable and I figured to travel with them I better leave them packed as the experts packed them. I did have to leave the fab Dior boxes behind at our Paris hotel though (we’re in Provence now). They were just too big to bring along. Just to note, while we were in the Dior store I was in heaven, naturally, and I said to Marisa, “Wow, I love Dior!,” and the gentleman who was helping us said, “No, you must say ‘J’adore Dior!‘” And so I do. J’adore Dior.
Xo StyleStruck
Oh, how I love Paris. The food, the architecture, the people and the fashion, it’s really one of the most amazing cities I’ve visited. Missing Vancouver quite a bit though, we’re very lucky in Vancouver with how much space we have, the amount of green around us and our choice of food. Seriously, it’s a challenge to eat smart abroad.
Standing on the “Love Lock” bridge (Pont des Arts). Here people come from all over the world to lock their engraved love lock on the bridge. There are about 1600 locks here now, with the oldest dating back to 2008. Cute! Although I hear Paris City Hall isn’t exactly enthralled with the lock situation and is looking to move them. No! I say leave them!
Then we wandered around for a little bit, saw some sights…
{ Cats, I mean, chats!, are everywhere in Paris, in windows, living in our hotel lobby, roaming the streets }
{ Chatons très mignon! These little ones were spotted in a pet store window. I reeaally wanted to take the little grey one home… Marie needs someone to speak français with, oui? }
{ I had to snap a picture of this lady’s fabulous look, don’t you just love her walking shoes? }
{ We happened upon a candy stand on the Rue St. Germain, I had to stop. J’aime bonbons! All candy should come in bags as sweet as this! }
Walking down the Rue de Rivoli, we simply had to stop at Cafe Angelina, famously known for their delicious hot chocolate. This particular location of Cafe Angelina is the original and was a favourite spot of Coco Chanel’s who would stop here for her morning coffee. They serve the most amazing selection of treats (including colourful macaroons, of course) and the hot chocolate really is to die for.
{ Below: Along the way, I picked up a couple touristy souvenirs for the kitchen – my first time buying pepper. }
{ Then we found a ferris wheel in the jardin des Tuileries! The view was amazing! }
{ The weather wasn’t the best this day, but it has certainly improved since! Up on the hill there is Montmarte, a very cute little area of Paris that we later visited. One of its most common sights is the Moulin Rouge }
{ Wearing: Tara Jarmon dress, Old Navy sweater, Zara flats and Gianni Chiarini bag }
Au Revoir!
Xo StyleStruck
{ Wearing: Zara sweater, Zara leather studded belt, Dynamite shorts, New Look shoes (purchased in Stratford), can’t remember the name of my leather bag… and vintage Ray Ban sunnies }
Friday seemed like a lovely day to do brunch at The Wolseley in Piccadilly. The Wolseley is a fabulously, gorgeously chic restaurant next door to The Ritz that does a very “it” brunch. (Walked through The Ritz by the way, and it really took me back to my stay at The Plaza. *Swooon.* What we’ve learned here is that all impossibly cool places start with “the.”) As you can imagine, people watching there was fantastic. A lot of chic flats and cigarette trousers with designer bags. I started off with a vanilla latte – the only place I could find in London that had vanilla for their hot drinks. Pay big = get your vanilla. Brunch was french toast with bacon and lots of icing sugar… divine!
After our deliciously expensive (and well worth it!), brunch, it was over to Buckingham Palace! Naturally, as we were in the neighborhood.
And now I must run, off to dinner! (En Paris!)
Xo StyleStruck
