Style Diary: My Kind of Sweatpants

Hi there! Happy Black Friday everyone! Or a belated Thanksgiving, rather. As you're reading this (if you read this in the morning), I'm probably going to be on my way back from my own little bargain shopping adventure in the States that has become an odd tradition in my family. 

It officially feels like winter where I am due to the heavy snowfall, so I thought it’d be appropriate to put up these outfit pictures before December comes around when I’d like for there to be some snow in my photos.

These were taken quite a while back, actually. Maybe two, three weeks ago. I remember being so excited to wear this because it was one of those outfits that I had thought a lot about prior to actually wearing it. That feeling is just indescribable. 

Christmas Gift Shopping Tips

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Hi there! December is oh-so rapidly approaching, and you know what that means - Christmas! Or the holiday season if you don't celebrate it.

It's gift-giving season and I'm someone who absolutely loves to go all out on gifts (within my budget, of course). Here are a few tips that I've found really helpful while holiday shopping for my friends and family and some suggestions in general that you might find of use.

I'm also giving away a $20 H&M gift card if anyone's interested!

Holiday Giveaway: $20 H&M Gift Card + Star Hair Bow

Hi there! Today, I'm bringing to you Style Generis's first ever... GIVEAWAY! I thought it'd be really fun to host a giveaway for this time of year and I'm beyond excited to finally announce it with the prizes and everything. After a great deal of research and grief (who knew sweepstakes laws were so complicated?!), here it is! 

This holiday season, I will be giving away a $20 gift card to H&M and a gold star hair bow that I made myself. There'll be a DIY post up on this hair bow next Monday if you're interested, but since it is pretty time consuming, I thought I'd add it to the giveaway.

The gift card that I'm giving away isn't any regular gift card. For every $10 charged onto the card, you will be providing one family with clean water, which is absolutely amazing. You can read more about this gift card here. I wanted to give something away that was going to give back this holiday season, so this couldn't be more perfect. Besides, this might help with any Isabel Marant x H&M piece you've been eyeing. ;)

The rules for this giveaway are pretty simple. Or should I say sweepstakes, as that's the legal term. The giveaway will run from today, November 27th, until 12:00 am EST on December 12th. This giveaway is open to all legal residents of the United States of American and Canada (void where prohibited). The winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and will be announced within the following week. All you have to do to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter form below and you're good to go! You can find a full list of the terms and conditions on the form or at the end of this post. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you excited about the giveaway? What would you buy with the $20? How would you style the hair bow? Leave your comments below! Good luck to those who enter!

Thank you so much for reading!

- J

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Terms and Conditions: 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes will run from November 27^th, 2013 to December 12^th, 2013 at 12:00 AM EST. Open to legal residents of the United States and Canada only. Void where prohibited by law. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO boxes. To enter, one must complete the Rafflecopter form above. Winner will be randomly selected by Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner will have 72 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. The prize will be shipped within one week of your confirmation. I am in no way responsible if the package is lost/delayed. If the winner is Canadian, s/he will have to answer a skill-testing math question correctly within the time allotted in order to win the prize. The products offered for the sweepstakes were purchased by myself alone. My opinions are my own. Facebook, Twitter, H&M, Google, Blogger, and Bloglovin’ are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me alone. If you win, by completing this form, I am obtaining the right to announce the winner on the blog Style Generis using your first name only. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

One of a Kind Finds: November 2013

Hi there! Another month has (nearly) passed us by and I've had my fair share of online window shopping. This month, I was particularly drawn to textures - cashmere, velvet, knits... anything but for your typical cotton t-shirt. A good chunk of these pieces are a bit on the pricier side, but if you have the money to splash out on something special for your friends or yourself this holiday season, here are a few of my suggestions.

Sunday Funday: Girl on Fire

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Hi there! I can't seem to catch a break these days. I had such a crazy, crazy week, once again, but hopefully I'll be able to just relax soon. Like during Winter Break, aha. It looks like Christmas and winter where I live right now, so it isn't hard to dream about that stuff at this time of year. Also because Christmas Eve is exactly one month away. Is anyone else as excited as I am?

Sketchbook: Clothing Catalogue

Hi there! Today, I thought I’d bring back the Sketchbook series, except this time, not on Friday. Every once in a while, you’ll get a peek into my sketchbook. You know, if you fancy it.

I had to do make a clothing catalogue for Spanish class that included at least ten different clothing items. My teacher said that we could just cut out pictures from magazines, but I wanted to design each and every piece. Leave it up to me to overcomplicate a simple assignment…

Style Diary: Back to B's School Days

Hi there! A good chunk of my pre-teen years were spent watching Gossip Girl, which probably wasn't such a good thing because of the mature content. But hey, can you blame a girl for fawning over the gorgeous wardrobe, aka the only reason why I stuck around for six seasons?

Yesterday morning, I was reminiscing the good old days, so I decided to channel my inner Blair Waldorf with a Little J twist to it. Here's what I came up with.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her Under $100

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Hi there! If you couldn't find anything for your loved one in last week's DIY gift guide, maybe you'll get some luck in this week's. Most of us are on a budget when we're Christmas shopping, so this gift guide is full of budget gifts for her under $100. There are a few gifts for each "type" of girl out there, but if you'd like me to do a full post on a specific one, there'll be a poll at the end that you can take to let me know!

What to Where: Thanksgiving Dinner

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Hi there! For my American readers, Thanksgiving is coming up for you pretty quickly, next week to be exact. That will probably mean a turkey feast and food babies for all of you. Oh, and maybe a little shopping starting at 8, as well. ;)

Because of the feasting that will most likely occur, you'll probably want to stay comfortable, but that certainly doesn't mean sloppy. I've put together one casual, one dressy outfit, and one in-between. Enjoy!

8 Shopping Tips for a Successful Trip

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Hi there! Since Black Friday is coming up as well as Christmas, you'll probably be doing quite a bit of shopping this time of year. Shopping can either be a really fun experience, or a really stressful one. Keep reading for a few tips to help you steer clear of those awful, stressful, and unproductive shopping trips.

DIY: Cat Print Jeans

Hi there! After seeing this picture of UO cat print jeans on Instagram, I just knew I had to do a cat jeans DIY myself. I've always had a soft spot for cats, so this was just a match made in heaven. Keep reading to find out how to make these yourself!

Sunday Funday: Busy, Busy Bee

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Hi there! You've probably noticed that there are a few changes with the design. Maybe? Anyway, I updated my header and a few bits and pieces here and there and I'm just so happy with it. I spent a really long time last night just trying to make it just perfect. You have no idea how annoying it is when it takes you like an hour to do the header and when you upload it to the blog, it's not the right size. Not cool.

My week was incredibly busy, but here are a few things that allowed me to relax and get excited about.

5 Ways to Beat the Sunday Terrors

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Hi there! This post was inspired by one that I saw on the Man Repeller the other day about the Sunday Terrors. For me, the Sunday Terrors is simply just feeling overwhelmed on a Sunday, procrastinating, and simply not being productive. Amelia Diamond's definition seems to have alcohol consumption mixed it with that, but we can just leave that part out.

Because I do get the Terrors myself about once every few weeks, I've learned my way around it and some tips here and there that have helped. Here are a few that I've found really helpful!

Style Diary: Back to December

"And I go back to December all the time..."

Hi there! Another week has gone by and this outfit captures my week perfectly. I had to wear a lot of hats this week, hence the "authoritative" button-down, but still managed to have some fun. Ooh, and I twirled around a lot. I seem to like doing that.

There's something that's so intriguing to me about photos with lots of movement in them. I just adore them , which is why you'll probably find at least one photo of me in motion for most of my Style Diaries. It's just so much more fun to twirl or jump around as opposed to standing still, staring intently at a spot on the ground.

Wanna see me in action?

Christmas Gift Guide: Unique DIY Gifts

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Hi there! This is my first EVER Christmas gift guide and I couldn't possibly be more excited about it. There will be about six or so gift guides going up in total before Christmas, so that's one every week on Thursday. First off - DIYs. I think that receiving or giving a nice handmade gift has always been a gift feel just a bit more special, so keep reading for a few DIY ideas that you could make for your loved ones this holiday season.

How to: Find The Perfect Winter Jacket

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Hi there! Even though it might still feel like fall where you are, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and think about the upcoming season: winter. Where I live, our winters are pretty darn rigorous and downright cold, so having a jacket that keeps me warm is a must.

If you're in need of a new winter jacket this year, here is a little guide to help you along the way.

Christmas Countdown: What's Coming Up On Style Generis

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Hi there! I think it's important to note that there are only 42 days or exactly six weeks until Christmas. WHAT?! Where has this year gone by? December is an incredibly busy month for everyone and I'm no different. There are so many exciting things coming up on Style Generis that I thought I should tell you about so you know what to expect. I also really, really wanted to know what other things you are looking for on blogs that you can't seem to find during the holiday season.

First off, gift guides. There are going to be six gift guides going up, so one per week, until Christmas, ranging from DIY gifts (the very first one that your eyeballs will be able to see this Thursday) to gifts for fashion lovers to gifts for the men in your life. The gift guides are probably going to be the posts I'm most excited about, you have no idea.

Because Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up in a few short weeks, there will be a post on shopping tips and another one catered specifically to Christmas shopping going up shortly. It's going to very Christmas oriented, let me tell you. I'm obnoxiously obsessed with Christmas, so a more tame version of that will show just a smitch.

There will be outfit inspiration for holiday parties or dinners that you might be going to like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

I will also have a Christmas giveaway coming up which I'm also really excited for you to learn about. Just so I don't raise anyone's hopes, I am a high school student, so I don't have the budget to spend a bunch of money on a really special prize PLUS ship it internationally, so it's not going to be a huge. But we should all still get excited about it, though.

What is getting you excited for these next few weeks leading up to the holidays? What posts do you want to see on the blog? What do you think of what's to come? Leave your comments below! There is always room for more posts to make y'all happy. :)

Thank you so very much for reading!

- J

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My First Vintage Clothing Show

Hi there! First off, I'd just like to take this moment to remember all the brave men and women who served for our country, or whichever country you may live in even though it is a day typically reserved for Canada and a few other European countries. Many, too many, gave their lives so we could have the freedom and peace that we do today. So thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you because we certainly don't appreciate them enough.

After that, my vintage shopping experience seems bit shallow, but whatever. I'm a fashion blogger, that's what I do. If you're not cool with that, then, don't keep reading. But if you are, please do.

Yesterday, I went to my first ever vintage clothing show. There was a little vintage boutique close to my middle school, but I could never afford anything there. I've always been fascinated by that vintage world, so I was so ridiculously excited when I found out that my boring little town, city, whatever was going to host Canada's biggest vintage clothing show.

I went with my mom yesterday and had a blast. As I was walking towards the show, I saw a bunch of people and all I had to do was simply look at what they were wearing and I knew immediately that they were going to the show. Even though it was my first time going to an event like this, I just felt like we had a connection and we all had the same passion and love for cool, quirky, and unique pieces. Essentially like little hidden treasures. 

I took a bunch of pictures of some really stand out pieces that just made me swoon. I only got two items (one being that awesome pair of pink cowboy boots) and the last item in this reel of photos. Keep reading for a peek at what my experience was like!

Sunday Funday: Living the Wild Life

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Hi there! I have literally had the absolute craziest two weeks I've ever had, only second to the last two weeks of school last year which were seriously hectic. A lot of really awesome little things happened, but I'm just going to share a couple. Keep reading if you want to know what's been going on in my life.

9 Life Lessons I Learned from Mia Thermopolis

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Hi there! The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot is definitely one of my favourite book series of all time. Sure, it's not super deep or thoughtful litterature (it's a chick lit), but reading about Mia's hilarious misadventures and successes never fail to crack me up. For those of you who've seen the movie, which is completely different from the book, the humour is really similar, so if you enjoyed the movie, you'll probably enjoy the books, as well.

If you have no idea what The Princess Diaries is about, here's a synopsis from Meg's website:

Even though it's meant to be a light read, there are a TON of things I learned from the princess. Keep reading for a few life lessons!

Style Diary: The Eye of the Tiger

Hi there! Another week has passed us by, so that means another Style Diary! I had a ridiculously crazy couple of weeks and was getting so overwhelmed with blogging, my mini cardmaking business, school, etc. but I think I've finally gotten under control.

Somewhere in all that madness, I managed to take these photos and show all of you, featuring one of my favourite (and thrifted!) pieces - a plaid/tartan (however you want to put it) skirt!

8 Time-Saving Basics to Stock Up On

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Hi there! I briefly mentioned in a Sunday Funday one time that I recently (a month or two ago?) got my first ever white t-shirt. I thought it was kind of crazy that I didn't own one before, but after thinking about it for a while, I actually don't know many people who own one.

Basics such as white or black t-shirts, a staple pair of skinny jeans, etc. are all items that you can easily build an outfit around and things that everyone should have in their wardrobes, but many overlook. I was definitely one of those people for many, many years, which is why today, I'm going to be sharing with you a few items I think everyone should own. Now, I'm not telling you to go out and spend half a year's earnings on all of these items, but maybe there will be some things that you think you could really benefit from.

J's Musings // 01

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Hi there! This post a certainly one that’s very different from anything I’ve ever written here before, but I hope that you’ll like it. 

Someone once asked me (and that someone knows who she is), “Have you ever read a blog post from one of your [favourite] bloggers and asked yourself what the hell the point of that post was?” You may think that, or you may not by the end of this little bit of semi-creative writing, and you know what? Whatever you think the point of this post was is up to you, and you alone.

So here it goes. 

xxxx

I’ve spoken endlessly about the seasons changing, my excitement for the next, my pessimism about the cold, shaking me to the bone on early Monday mornings I’d much rather spend wrapped up in a warm blanket.

 

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Autumn for me has always been a time to reflect on the past, get excited and inspired, and better myself. Always.

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It’s also been a time for me to think about my summer, what fun I had.

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The beaches. The heat. The adrenaline constantly pumping through my veins, the drug no money could ever buy.

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It was also filled with serene moments. Beautiful moments. Moments where I wish my eyes had been turned into a video camera so I could play it over and over again until I’ve memorised every movement, every sound, every sensation my body felt.

Sparks flew in all the right places. I wasn’t in search for a romance, so instead I found love. Love from friends and friends I loved. I'm sure you found love, too.

 

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Autumn is a bittersweet time of year. The leaves so beautiful even though everything is dying right before my very eyes. Once every last reminder of summer dies, they will make room for the most delightful memories that winter will have to offer.

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I'm only 14, but I want to propose a toast. To the bitter end of fall being the best autumn days you'll ever have. To sparkling white winter days spent with loved ones around a crackling fire. To the best of 2013.

xxxx

Would you like to see some posts like this every once in a while? What did you think of this one? Leave your comments below!

Thank you so much for reading!

- J

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7 Ways to Keep Warm in the Winter

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Hi there! As a fellow Canadian, whenever a blogger or YouTuber has a post or video showing winter outfits, I know immediately that it would be impossible to wear them without freezing more poor little limbs off or risking getting a cold.

Where I live, it gets pretty darn cold in the winter which is pretty much starting right now. In November. It’s usually around -25 Celsius to -35 Celsius (-13 F to -31 F), but there are days when it drops down to about -40 Celsius/Fahrenheit. I feel like I’m a skilled veteran in the art of staying warm in the wintertime, or at least have managed to survive, so keep reading for some of my tips on how to stay warm, but not compromise style, this winter.

Sunday Funday: River Deep, Mountain High

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Hi there! This week has been a crazy one. An emotional one. An awesome one. It's like everything is changing and I'm starting to shed off this skin that used to be the "old me." I've never gone through the process knowing that I was going through it all. November's going to be something different, for sure. But first, why don't I tell you about my week, eh?

We Got to 200

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Hi there! I was just looking around the internet, trying to figure out what to write about today when I realised - today's my 200th post. Isn't that crazy? I feel like I just started this little blog a few days ago, but I guess once I thought about it, from March until now, the very first day of November, a LOT has changed. First off, Coco and Picasso got turned into Style Generis, something I'd say is more me that the other name. I stopped addressing you with "whomever it may concern" and actually greeted you guys. I mean, who knew?

Thank you so, so much for all of your support, especially those who stuck around after the name change and all that craziness. Every comment, heck, even every page view means a lot to me and it stills blows my mind that there are people out there in the universe, whether it be in my hometown or on the other side of the world, who take the time out of their day to read what I have to say.

I'm so excited for what I have in store for all of you next, especially with the holiday season coming up. And you all know what that means... Christmas! Or more specifically, Christmas gift guides and all sorts of Christmas-y themed posts.

Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart for reading my posts and writing comments because they literally just light up my day. I know that if I'm having a bad one, I can just go through my comments and your wonderful words make me whole again. So thank you, thank you, thank you.

If you have any requests of any kind for posts, please leave them in comments below. Or just swing by and say hi.

Thank you so, so much for reading!

- J

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