Outfit of the Day: Festival Style

 

 

Instead of going to school and staying in class all day, learning who knows what, yesterday, all of the eighth grade students at my school went to a festival.  We actually had to walk for about 40-50 minutes there and back, so I knew that I had to be comfortable.

I decided to share with you what I wore because I haven't posted an outfit since April and I figured that today would be the perfect day.  If you're interested, you know what to do.  Enjoy!

Looks for Less: 3 Spring Runway-Inspired Outfits

Every time a new fashion season rolls around, I immediately go on Style.com and find all of my favourite designers and check out their shows.  I usually just freak out over how amazing the clothes are, how they're such geniuses and how I wish I could have those pieces in my own wardrobe.  Unfortunately, because they are designer, a good chunk - if not most - of the population cannot afford them.  That's why today, I decided to share with you three recreations of outfits from the runway that you might actually be able to afford.  

Keep on reading if you're interested!  Enjoy!

Fashion Essential: Sunglasses + 9 Fun and Cheap Pairs!

For years, I've never been able to wear a pair of sunglasses comfortably.  I doubt that you know this little bit about me, but I have terrible vision, so evidently, I wear (prescription) glasses on a daily basis.  Since I'm not allowed to wear contacts until a certain age (which is incredibly annoying, I might add), I can't just go around buying any random pair of sunglasses that I like that don't have prescription lenses.

Because of this annoying problem, I finally got around to buying my first pair of proper and "substantial" prescription sunglasses.  It got me thinking as to why I wear sunglasses and why people in general wear sunglasses - what's the point?

There are many important reasons why, but I've narrowed them down for you.  Keep reading if you want to find out what they are!

DIY: Skull Stud Earrings and Wire Ring

I've always thought of skulls as kind of scary and too edgy for my taste, but lately, I've been pretty in love with them.  

One day, I decided that skull studs were the coolest things in the world, so I asked my friend to order them for me from Etsy because I doubt my parents would be okay with them.  When I got them, I was really surprised to see how big they were and I was just playing around with them when I got this marvelous idea to make rings out of them.  Also, one morning, I was putting together my outfit and I couldn't find a pair of earrings that were edgy enough, so I made these stud earrings.  

I was debating on whether or not I should post a tutorial on how to create these pieces of jewellery because they were so easy to make.  Since you are reading this right now, you probably figured out that I decided to post the tutorial.  It's super easy and I really hope that you'll try this out.  Enjoy!

Current Love: Chuck Taylor All-Stars (a.k.a. Converse)

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Chances are, you guys have probably seen a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers at some point in your life.  They're a classic and comfortable pair of shoes that go with everything and are such a staple in my closet.  I'm pretty in love with my two pairs of Converse, but before I gush to you about them, I'm going to give you a mini history lesson on these wonderful shoes.  Keep reading if you want to know a little bit more about these shoes, why I love them, and why you should probably go get yourself a pair.

Sunday Funday: Music Saved Me This Week

I've been going through quite a bit of a... "eh" week.  Lots of things happened and it earlier in the week and I've just been really quiet all week, not being as out there and happy, I guess.  But like as the little saying above says, music is definitely my escape.  Every time I listen to music, it's like I'm just going into this world and am just shutting out everything that's bad in my life for three, four minutes, maybe even hours.

That's why this week's Sunday Funday (which I'm definitely thinking about renaming) will be centered around music or music-related things.  Of course there'll also be a few random bits and pieces in there, but you know what I mean.  Hopefully.

May Motivation: Revamp Your Bookshelf!

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This is going to be my last May Motivation and it's going to be like a follow-up of my previous May Motivation about my tips on how to reorganise your desk and just some ideas.  Today, I'm going to be sharing my tips on how to reorganise and turn your bookshelf into something more than just a space to store your books.  If you're interested or are just looking for some eye candy, keep on reading!

Sketchbook Friday: Lovin' the Leather and Everything Punk

Lately - even before the Met Ball - I've been pretty inspired by anything punk-inspired.  My family and friends probably think that I'm a total weirdo for loving everything punk, actually, I know that most of them do, but I love this style anyway.  I'm all for anything with cut-outs, leather, or studs which seems to be frowned upon by the greater part of the population.  But that's not going to stop me from sketching pretty clothes with those things.

As you could probably tell, today's Sketchbook Friday will be pretty punk, but with a girly and feminine vibe to it.  Just so you know, I kept the designs black and white so that you can envision them in whichever colour(s) you like.  

Keep on reading if you're interested!

What to Where: Memorial Day

This post is a shout out to all of my American fans out there (hopefully there are some because if there aren't,  this would be quite awkward).  Anywho, as you may know, Memorial Day, a day Americans spend honoring all those who died protecting and serving America through the army.

Since it's quite a patriotic day, I decided to put together three outfits that will hopefully inspire your weekend wardrobe, whatever it is you may be doing.  Enjoy!

Looks for Less: Alexa Chung Edition

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A few days ago, I wrote a post on Alexa Chung's amazing style.  Today, I'm going to show you my recreations of three of her outfits at a lower price.  One of them are from the red carpet and two are everyday outfits.  For those of you who love her style as much as I do, or are just looking for some spring outfit inspiration, keep on reading.  Enjoy (hopefully)!

8 Lavender Dresses to Brighten Up Your Spring Wardrobe

I just have a quick little thing to tell you guys - I wrote a guest post over on my friend Bohmyi's blog, A Beautyfull Word, sharing my tips on how to be confident in what you wear.  I had a ton of fun writing it,  so be sure to check it out if you're interested.

Recently, that same friend has been on the hunt for that perfect lavender dress.  And like everything she introduces me to, I kind of fell in love with them as well.  So I joined her (kind of) on the hunt for that perfect dress and let me tell you - it's ridiculously hard, but I managed to find eight that I thought fit my criteria.  The first four are quite reasonably priced, but the last four are for those of you with deeper pockets.  

Though this post might not help her find that perfect dress, it might help one of you.  Hopefully.

I Want Her Closet: Alexa Chung

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Lately, I've been pretty in love with Alexa Chung's amazing style.  It has a quirkiness to it - that I'm a huge fan of - and it's always so unique.  I'm just going to take a moment to talk about her hair.  Isn't it fabulous?  I personally would never rock this long ombré bob, but it looks so amazing on her - I love it.

Today, I'm going to show you three of my favourite red carpet looks from her, and on Wednesday, I'll be posting three outfits that I've recreated (for a lower price, of course!) from street style photos I've seen of her.

Sunday Funday: Oh How I Adore My Weekends

It's been quite a crazy week.  Thinking back on it, it's kind of hard to list them all, but I'll try my best to include my highlights of the week.  If you're interested, follow the jump and keep on reading!

May Motivation: Reorganise Your Workspace!

Image Credit: www.weheartit.com

The inspiration for this post came along when I was just looking around on Pinterest and was being completely unproductive - or so I thought - when I stumbled upon this...

Image Credit: www.brit.co

At the time, my bedroom was a complete disaster, particularly my desk.  I was completely overwhelmed with a million school and personal projects that I developed this terrible mantra: It's going to get messy again after I do _______.  There's no point in attempting to clean my room.  It got so bad that it  was nearly impossible for me to find a clear path from the door to my bed.  It was pretty darn terrible.

After weeks (cringe-worthy, I know) of living in that mess, I finally found the motivation to clean up.  My personal motivation was simply from scrolling around on Pinterest and finding pretty pictures of organised spaces.  Here are a few of my favourite workspaces intertwined with some tips to (hopefully) inspire you to get yourself organised.  Enjoy!

Yet Another Exciting Accomplishment... Links à la Mode!

Hello everyone!

About a month into my blogging experience, my "Fashion is a B*tch" post - unexpectedly - was picked as one of the twenty links for IFB's Links à la Mode, which was such a huge thing for me.  The other day, I submitted another link in hopes of being included in this week's Links à la Mode.

After a really crap day, I checked my Bloglovin, excitedly clicked on the Links à la Mode post, and saw my link to my DIY: ASOS Fantasia Sweatshirt tutorial.  It was definitely the highlight of my day.

Be sure to check out the other links down below - they are all amazing posts that you should definitely take the time to read.  Enjoy!

What to Where: Victoria Day Weekend

Since I live in Canada, this upcoming weekend marks the Victoria Day long weekend.  It's honestly just another excuse not to go to school and get a day off, which I'm really happy about because I can just blog all day.

Even if you're not celebrating Victoria Day in any way (I'm not), here are a few outfits to inspire your weekend wardrobe.  Enjoy!

Current Love: The White Hot Trend

A trend that I've been pretty in love with lately (as you could probably tell from the title) is the white-on-white trend, or white hot as some people like to call it.  Instead of making a bright colour statement for spring, making a statement in an all-white outfit is definitely really intriguing to me.  

To me, the trend itself is like an angelic rebel in a way, at least to me, because it's going against that stereotypical idea that you have to wear bright and colourful clothes as soon as March 21st rolls around.  Which is fine, of course, because that's when I start to delve into the more "cheerful" part of my closet.

Here is some outfits to inspire how you wear this bold trend.

How To: Be Unique With Your Everyday Wear

A few weeks ago, I got a request from my good friend, Brenda, to do write a post on how to be unique with your everyday wear, so here it is - enjoy!

DIY: ASOS Fantasia Sweatshirt

It was my friend Bohmyi's birthday last Friday and she wanted this ASOS sweatshirt.  Since it was online and $50 (plus shipping), I was a bit lazy to run to my parents (I'm a teenager, don't judge) and ask them to get it for her, so I decided to DIY it because my motto - which a friend came up with (props to you) - is "Why buy something when you can  DIY-it?"

Since the sweatshirt is out of stock at the moment (or forever...), I decided to write a post about how to recreate this beautiful sweatshirt.  Please keep in mind that this isn't a quick and easy way to recreate it - it took me hours and hours.  Enjoy!

I Love You, Momma.

Dear Mom,

Today is Mother's Day (as you probably already know) and though every day should be Mother's Day, I feel like this Sunday every year is a time to appreciate you a bit more.

I'm always at a loss for words when I decide to write letters.  It's usually I either ramble a lot, or barely write anything at all.  It'll be interesting to see how this one turns out.

I might as well start with Happy Mother's Day.  So Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!  Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you and everything I've learned I owe to you.  You were my first teacher, my best teacher and I love you so much for that.  

I know that I we don't always get along, but I think that we do a little bit more than some people.  My favourite times are the time spent in the car, driving to our favourite strip mall, promising ourselves to window shop.  We were actually terrible at keeping those promises, but I loved those moments.

The words "I love you" have always felt very foreign when I try to say them.  Like with my friends, I've always thought that those words should only be reserved for someone really special and throwing them around was a crime of some sort.  I've never said this to you, but I love you, Momma, I love you so much and I'm so lucky to still have you here.  You're the best.

Thank you so much for everything you do for me and I love you.  Again.

- J

Image Credit: www.weheartit.com

Fashion Star Finale: The Winner is Revealed!

(From left to right: Hunter, Cassandra, and Daniel)

Image Credit: www.zap2it.com

To be honest, when I first turned on the TV to watch Fashion Star last night, I didn't really have a favourite designer or someone I was "hardcore" rooting for.  I really understand Daniel's vision and what he stands for.  I've always loved Hunter's designs, even the super safe ones.  And Cassandra, well, she's Canadian and awesome.

Last night, the three competed to win a $3 million contract to have their capsule collections in Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Express.  It's the biggest prize on a fashion show out there.  The "challenge" was to create three head-to-toe looks for each of the three retailers and the buyers would decide after seeing all the collections who the next Fashion Star will be.

Quiz: What's Your Personal Style?

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First things first, - happy birthday to the beautiful and amazing Bohmyi!  Today is my fellow blogger friend's birthday (check out her fashion blog here - it's absolutely amazing!).  This post is a request from her and I hope that you'll like this!

A few weeks back, I did a post on how to find your personal style.  This was supposed to go up much earlier, but life happened.  But it's here now!

Maybe this will help some of you, hopefully more than the other post.  The idea of this quiz was simply to give those who are a bit unsure about their personal style a good push in the right direction.  Please keep in my mind that this is my perception of some styles, so it's not entirely accurate, but I hope that you'll enjoy it anyway.

Mother's Day Card Tutorial

 

Today, I'm going to be doing something a little different.  If you read my Mother's Day Gift Guide, you'll know that one of my gift suggestions was making your mom or loved one a card.  To me, a handmade card is such a personal and thoughtful gift, so today, I'm going to show you how I made the one I'm giving my mom (pictured above) from the May 2011 copy of CardMaker magazine, designed by Elizabeth Allan.

What to Where: Mother's Day

Before you start to think that I have horrible grammar,  I did in fact mean to write "where" instead of the typical "wear."  "Where" is simply a synonym for the occasion and "what" is what to wear.  There will usually be three outfit ideas (sometimes more, sometimes less) and occasionally, some tips.  You'll be seeing these posts pop up here and there when a special occasion comes about, in today's case, Mother's Day.

Met Ball 2013: How Fashion Embraced Punk [and My Favourite Looks]

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All last week, I've been eagerly anticipating Monday night when I would be able to look at all the beautiful clothes that Hollywood and fashion's big names were going to wear.  I was also really excited to see how the attendees were going to embrace this year's theme: punk.  It's definitely a lot more straightforward than last year's Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations theme, but on the flipside, it's quite.. out there.

This theme begs the question: What is punk?  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it's relating to or being a style (as of dress or hair) inspired by punk rock.  A lot of people have also mentioned that to them, punk is simply rebellion, freedom, and edge, and I completely agree.

It only hit me how big of a deal the MET Ball was today while I was watching the livestream.  André Leon Talley started the whole process of picking what he was going to wear in February. February.  Crazy, but absolutely amazing, of course.

Cara Delevingne wearing Burberry

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My jaw literally dropped when I saw her dress.  The studs just made the dress so punk, yet so classy, which is quite a masterful combination when it works.  Absolutely stunning.

Elle Fanning wearing Rodarte

If you read my Elle Fanning post last month, you probably know that I'm obsessed with her sense of style, so you could probably imagine how much I geeked out when she appeared on my computer screen.  The standout part of her ensemble for me was her intricate ear cuff.  I'm a huge fan of ear cuffs, so I was ecstatic when I saw that she was sporting one tonight.

Hailee Steinfeld wearing Donna Karen Atelier

It's definitely not what I envision when I think of punk, but I absolutely loved the gold safety pins on this cream dress.  I'll probably do some kind of DIY of something similar soon, so be on the look out for that if you're interested.

Taylor Swift wearing J. Mendel

I love Taylor Swift's classic and feminine style, despite how safe she seems to play it when it comes to it.  I thought that she'd be one of the few that wouldn't embrace the punk theme, so I was pretty surprised to see what she wore last night.  I loved the cut-outs, but how everything was balanced out with the heaving beading up top.  It's such a unique dress and I'm so happy that she stepped out of her comfort zone for the Met Ball.

Here are a few other favourites of mine from the night...

Kate Bosworth wearing Balmain

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Anne Hathaway wearing a 1992 vintage Valentino

Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Giles Deacon

Alexa Chung wearing Erdem

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Sienna Miller wearing Burberry

Miley Cyrus wearing Marc Jacobs

 

Beyonce in Givenchy

Thanks for reading!  Let me know in the comments which ensemble was your favourite, I'm curious.

- J

All photos are from fashionista.com unless otherwise stated.

11 Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Image Credit: www.weheartit.com

Mother's Day is coming up and I'm lucky enough to still have mine (I love you, Momma).  I forget to thank my mom for all she has done for me throughout the years and I usually think of Mother's Day as the perfect occasion to do so.  It's also really important that you treat everyone who has helped you in anyway, helped made you who you are today and who you will become, this is just going to be a few gift ideas for all the women you have to thank in your life.

Sunday Funday: TV and Cranberries

Image Credit: www.weheartit.com

I'm back with yet another Sunday Funday.  It's been a pretty hectic week, and the sad part is, next week is probably going to be even crazier.  Despite the madness, I've found some time to take my mind off everything, well, almost everything that is bothering me and just relax.

Fashion Star Week 9 Recap: Trending Then and Now

This week's challenge was to pick a fashion era and incorporate the trends from back then with the trends from today's fashion world.

Sketchbook Friday: Grad Dresses!

My grade eight graduation is coming up, which actually sounds so silly now that I'm writing (technically I'm typing it, but you know, same thing) it down.  I've been thinking about that day for a while and it will definitely be such a bittersweet day, but I'll probably be bawling my eyes out.  But one thing has always made me somewhat happy when thinking of that day and it's my dress. 

I actually already have my dress for that special day (it's starting to sound like I'm getting married or something of that magnitude, haha), I've sketched so many dresses that were other options or for my friends.   I don't think they liked them very much to be honest, but it doesn't bother me much because I love them.  And the ones I hate, well, those get a big "x" somewhere on the page.  Below are some of the designs that I ended up liking, just a better version of them because it the originals have scribbles all over them. 

May Motivation #1: Get Going

Today, I'm going to do something a little different.  I was going to write yet another spring inspiration post, but I honestly just didn't feel up to it.  Don't get me wrong, I wanted to blog, just not at all about that, at least not at the very moment.  If you still want to see the weekly spring outfit inspiration post, I'll definitely write it (let me know in the comments/the poll, please and thank you). 

Since it's the beginning of May, where I live, it's really starting to feel like summer.  To me, summer and a new year are both times for self-discovery and re-invention - clean slates that I'm so glad to have.  Everything in between is just, well, everything in between.  So I was just looking around online when I saw a few... "inspirational" quotes.  Here is one of them:

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney

It really made me think about all the things I always say I'm going to do like homework, a new project - whatever it may be - but never end up actually doing.  Constantly procrastinating and just not being productive seems to occur a lot in my life, which sucks.  I hate that feeling, so much that it's on my top ten list of things I hate the most. (Yes, I have such a list.)

Every time I read a quote like this, it really gives me that extra push that I always need to get going, to get started.  It makes me just want to get up from sitting, staring at my computer screen for too long and get something done, to make my day worth it.  Quotes like these are truly inspiring to me, for lack of a better word. 

I hope this gave you that little extra push to get going on whatever you want to get done for the day.  Make to-do lists, write it down, plan your time, and use it wisely because you might not have tomorrow.  Which is kind of a depressing thought, but you know what I mean.

Hopefully, you didn't mind the change from my usual fashion posts.  I'll probably throw one of these posts into the mix every now and then.  And just one last thought to leave with you: you can do anything you set your mind to.  I'd love it if you left me a comment letting me know what you want to get done this month.

Thanks for reading!

- J
 

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3 Fresh Ways to Wear Floral + Tips!

Happy May everyone!  Since the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers," I decided to write about the flowers of fashion - the floral print!  Maybe there's another equivalent for you, but to me, it's the floral print.

I feel weird calling floral prints a trend because it seems like every year, no matter how fashion is feeling, floral is always in-store, tempting you to buy it.  Since floral prints are so common and can look really ordinary in some outfits, here are a few ways to freshen up your spring floral outfits.  I also did a floral outfit earlier this month if you're interested.  This is just going to be in-depth version of it.  Enjoy!

1. First of all, if your goal is to make wear floral in a unique and different way, go for prints that aren't the standard one.  This might seem a bit vague, saying that there's such thing as "standard" floral print, but just think, what's the most common floral print that you've seen around?  There must be something that pops into your mind.  Of course, there are unique ways to style that "standard" print, but if I think that finding pieces with different and quirky floral prints is awesome.
2. If you're thinking about pairing a floral top with jeans, add some adventurous accessories to make your outfit really stand out to avoid leaving your outfit too plain. 
3. Floral dresses, oh how I adore you.  Even though it is warming up, at least where I am, adding a fun pair of knee or thigh-high socks (or any socks to be honest) or some funky tights could really transform your outfit and make it one-of-a-kind.  Which technically, most are, but you know what I mean.
4. Think of floral in the most unexpected places.  Years back, I don't think we would've thought to put floral on combat boots.  But you know what?  It's unexpected, quirky, and adorable.  Check, check, and check.  When you're out shopping, be on the look out for those different floral pieces - they'll be a great addition to your closet.
5. Mix prints!  Mixing florals with another print can really make your outfit really stand out.

Now, on to the outfits!