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Truth be told, I was never much of a fan of dressing for the hot months. Jeans, boots and cozy sweaters have always been more my thing, but lately I’ve been embracing Summer-savvy style. The vibrancy of sunshine and blue skies is the perfect excuse to unleash splashy colour, while wearing less clothing leaves room for more accessories.

While I’m holding tight to a budget and saving most of my clothing cash for Fall and Winter, I could help but add a few essentials to my warm weather wardrobe on my recent trip to New York City.

The one must-have item that I didn’t want to be without was a romper and it was instant love when I found this silk-blend one-piece at Diane von Furstenberg’s studio flagship. The psychedelic tribal design caught me – hook, line and sinker. I wasted no time in wearing it while out and about in the city that never sleeps.

Sunglasses are a no-brainer and in more ways than one. Often times I’m mindless when it comes to sunnies and end up losing them in no time, so it’s one accessory that I don’t invest a lot of money in. $10 aviators from H&M do the trick and are essential for the beach. Swimwear is easy to stock up on without damaging my wallet, so when I found this nearly neon ruffled bikini at Victoria’s Secret for the price of a couple deluxe cocktails, I couldn’t refuse.

Canada’s best-kept fashion secret isn’t so secret anymore because Joe Fresh is graduating from Superstore and moving into it’s very own department store in downtown Vancouver this September [source]. These cork-soled sandals set me back $9 last summer, so stocking up on two pairs made the most sense. I’m a big fan of the gladiator sandal trend, but simple will go much further than elaborate in terms of design and versatility.

Jewelry is another accessory element that can’t be overlooked. I snagged this ring, also from H&M, for $3.95. Frappuccinos cost more.

I’m starting to sense a colour theme here…

I’m a big bag girl. Yes, I’m big on bags generally, but what I really mean is that I need room to play. Small handbags and clutches have their time and place, but I need the ability and space to toss some extras in when the occasion calls for it. This Summer I’ll be switching between this berry-coloured Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo that I found in Arizona with its price slashed by 90%. Yup, 90%. My other go-to carry-all is also brought to you by the fine folks at Joe Fresh for a whopping $5.

Just because it’s the off season doesn’t mean I can’t and shouldn’t represent. I was blown away by the two-storey NBA Store on 5th Avenue and picked up this vintage Phoenix Suns tee for me and a Steve Nash toddler tee for my niece. That little girl’s got too much Canucks gear.

My plans for the coming weekend included a mani/pedi until I weighed out the options. Shell out $50 for a once-in-a-while luxury or spend a fraction of that for new colours that will last all season long? The answer is obvious. From left to right I’d like you to meet Brisk Blue, Mango-Get-Em and Lickity Split.

Crown braids started to trend last summer and they haven’t lost any steam. It’s an easy way to keep my hair off my face while showing a little attention to detail. The same attention to detail can be said for this sweet, strappy and silky Quiksilver Women slip dress. The neck tie-up slays me.

Always one of the last and never one of the least is my pièce de résistance. I stalked it online, admired it from afar and gazed longingly at photos of it for months. The maxi dress is as crucial as they come for easy and effortless style while remaining entirely comfortable in the heat of July.

The Vertias maxi dress, also from DvF, is charged with romantic details and thoughtful design. The slight hem lift in the front allows the gown to bustle and flow rather than create the billowing effect that most maxi dresses fall victim to.

I bit my lip while trying to decide between the maxi dress and the romper, even though I knew they’d both be practical and that I’d wear each item a lot over the coming months. However, it was Rebecca who tipped the scales for me.

“How often are you in New York City, in the Meatpacking District, at your favourite designer’s studio?” she asked. Good point.

No matter what you find yourself wearing – or not wearing – over the coming months, there’s one item no one should be without. Sunblock is your best friend. Practice safe sun because, though her designs are legendary, no one actually wants to look like Donatella Versace when they’re 55.

You tell me: what are your summer must-haves? Wish list items? Which items will you be stocking up on for Summertime?

Cute shoes, right?

They’re comfortable too…

You’ll never guess where I got them from.

When I was recently invited by Mark’s Work Wearhouse to get acquainted with their new Spring and Summer collection, I was intrigued. I’ve always associated MWW with industrial wear for men and women – and socks. Lots of socks.

Clearly I was wrong, as I soon discovered that MWW has emerged as a supplier of clothing for everything from the construction site to the office to summer evenings on the beach. A key component to their designs is functional fashion. Easy to wear, relaxed structure, soft fabrics and – most surprisingly to me – great style. In addition to these fun cork wedges, I picked up a light-weight cardigan, a breezy summer top and a camisole with a built-in bra in a tasty shade of melon.

The awesome people at Mark’s Work Wearhouse want to give one lucky reader the chance to pick up some Spring and Summer wear for themselves. I have one gift card worth $100 that can be used at any Mark’s Work Wearhouse store across Canada for men’s or women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Winning is easy. Simply leave a comment below or Tweet the following on your Twitter account:

Everyone who both comments and Tweets has their name in the draw for two entries. The contest is open until midnight on Saturday, May 29, 2010 – I’ll be drawing the winner on Sunday, May 30. Good luck!

*Disclaimer: I was not paid or asked to write this post or hold this contest. However, I received the clothing and the $100 gift card at no expense to me.

Someone at Nordstrom must have been sleeping on the job. For reasons I can’t explain, this dress ended up at Nordstrom Last Chance with a $49.95 price tag on it. It was the only one, it was in my size, there was not a stain, not a rip and not a silk thread out of place. Pure coincidence, and clearly I planned my trip to Scottsdale at the right time.

It was only in recent years that I learned how crucial the right pair of shoes are to completing an outfit. Tonight after work, I completed the dress by picking up these “kicks” at Holt Renfrew’s seasonal sale. The original price tag said $188 but the register rung them up for $109. It’s think it might be love.

Earlier I was speaking with a friend in an attempt to find a topic to blog about. After politely declining the subject of the Middle Eastern conflict (you can read about that elsewhere), he suggested “the fleeting nature of women’s fashion and how it breeds unnecessary consumerism.” Seemed to me that was a bit of a sore spot so I probed further…

As it turns out, his wife was petitioning to him for a new pair of boots, justifying said boots because they were on sale from $350 down to $250. It seemed reasonable to me. His argument, however, was that she already has a number of perfectly good boots. And further, she wanted these new boots simply based on the fact that “the toes are more blunt on these ones.” And with that, I sided with him instantly.

Photo: HBO on Fashion Nation

I can readily admit that it took me a long, long time to finally understand the concept of shoes beyond basic function. I could appreciate how essential it is to own a pair of sneakers, a pair of heels, maybe some galoshes for the winter and, most definitely, snowboard boots for obvious purposes. But it wasn’t until I finally hit my mid-20s and decided to buck fashion trends for what I wanted to wear that I was able to recognize just how crucially footwear is correlated to fashion.

They say that shoes make an outfit, and it’s true. Imagine a dreamy, creamy summer dress paired with black, square-heeled pumps instead of ballet flats or espadrilles. Or a sleek and tailored pantsuit with a pair of Doc Martens. Ridiculous, I know. But does this mean that it’s necessary to hit the shoe shops for countless pairs to match with each and every outfit? I think not.

Why did I disagree with my friend’s wife’s attempt at rationalization as mentioned above? To purchase a pair of boots simply for a different toe style is completely unnecessary. Flip open any Vogue magazine. While the pages are plastered with couture, cruise wear and the unconventional, a running theme is fashion that exudes class, style and tradition. I’m of the opinion that it’s okay to spend several hundred on a pair of boots – bearing in mind that they should be both functional and timeless in their design.

While my sturdy pair of Frye boots may run upwards of $350, will I still be wearing these a decade from now? The chances are quite likely. The same can’t be said of footwear (or any fashion, for that matter) that is trendy or fad-ariffic. Style du jour will fade with each season and disappear like a tumbleweed. And other items, such as the perfect pair of jeans, a stunning little black dress or delicate heels are comparable to a Chanel suit – iconic fashion statements that transcend the passing of time. Those pieces are what are worth the extra dollars.

Something For The Men

On a final note, what is it with men and boots? My friend also confirmed to me that almost every man finds a woman in boots irresistible. Perhaps I’m just a little naïve (or maybe my brain doesn’t function as imaginatively), but what goes through a man’s head when he sees a woman in boots? And further, do you men prefer a woman in boots or a woman in a sexy pair of shoes?

It’s Fall, it’s getting colder out, time to wear warmer clothing, blah blah blah. Are you even surprised that this is also my favourite season to shop for? I have a lot of great jeans, two pairs of warm UGGs and enough cute sweaters and cardigans to last me until Spring.

Often I choose Fashion over Function, but in this case, the two Fs go hand-in-hand. The fact that it’s also Fall is just a threesome of Fs.

I love Marc. He makes me smell good. He’d make me fashionable too.

My mom had Frye boots in the 1970s. For years they collected dust in our house after she no longer wanted to wear them, and now they are gone without a trace (much to my chagrin). I want these ones, but they cost a lot. A lot.

Maybe I won’t be able to bundle myself in this Marc Jacobs dream or own the sidewalk in these Frye boots, but I need a new Fall and Winter jacket as well as some boots that aren’t UGGs or stilettos. Or maybe I could buy one and not the other.

Help me! Suggestions!

Any obscure places I should hunt out?

Me: So did you figure out what to make for dinner?

Stephen: Ya, I just took a steak out of the freezer.

Me: Yum.

Stephen: Doesn’t it seem kind of counterproductive to go for a run then go to McDonald’s?

Me: Not really. As long as I don’t eat a bajillion calories there.

Stephen: I see.

Me: I’ve been eating it my whole life!

Stephen: Haha maybe it’s just building up inside of you, ready to give you some kind of disease!

Me: What kind of disease?

Stephen: All kinds probably. I don’t know how you don’t feel like dying when you eat it.

Me: I feel like dying from the awesomeness on my tongue…

Okay so I have never been one to really run. When I started going to the gym three weeks ago, I told my trainer that I’d be totally into weight training but count me out for cardio. I hate it and I pretty much always have. But then something weird happened. The more I worked out, the stronger I became and before I knew it, I wanted to run to the gym. Quelle bizarre behavior!

Yup, I’ve definitely gotten stronger, more toned and very much more Bosworth in the last few weeks. I skipped the gym after work today because I actually felt like going for a run to bust off some stress instead.

I started out in Gastown, went up Main Street to Crab Park, all along the waterfront to Waterfront Road, under Canada Place, up through Coal Harbour to the corner of Hastings and Broughton and then back down to Burrard, up to Pender and straight down Pender until I hit the Tinseltown McDonald’s.

All in, 40 minutes later I had covered 4.63km of territory without stopping once. Not only can I not believe that I actually ran, but did so without stopping. Good tunes (The Pixies, Jay-Z and Daft Punk to name a few) and supportive sneakers are key, it seems.

I picked up a great pair of Nike runners at Winner’s for only $70 this week, and so far, it’s been a wise investment. Another tip: make the trek to Burlington, WA and hit the new Lululemon Factory Outlet. The same outfit that I’d priced at about $150 with tax on Robson Street cost me a mere USD$60 with tax last Saturday.

Question for all you runners: Why the heck do I still get that same side cramp that plagued me in elementary school track and field, and how do I get rid of it?

Highlight Of The Day

It seems that being sweaty and joggy is more attractive to men than being dressed-up and strutting. While I oddly got more than my fair share of male attention today, as I jogged past the fire station at Main and Powell, I was greeted by a trio of firefighters who were delighted to wave and wink. Ahhh…rescue me.

Awkward Moment Of The Day

As I was walking home from work, a well-dressed man much shorter than me approached with a puzzled look on his face. Sweetly, I asked if he was lost. He wrung his hands for a brief moment. “Ah, yah, I’m looking for a tall blonde girl…know of any?” I instantly had a flashback to the time Samantha got motorboated, shook my head no and flashed a lovely goodbye smile as I kept on walking.

I just got back from Victoria a few hours ago. I bought myself a souvenir – new Keds. My love affair continues. I got off the bus in Nanaimo where my mom met me, took me to the Bay and bought me these ones too.

I took the first shuttle to Victoria yesterday morning, and was picked up in downtown Victoria by Toni to be whisked away for a killer day/night in the capital city. First we avoided the Harbour crowds, all there to catch a glimpse of the tall ships, and instead headed for the rocky beach on Dallas Road to walk, talk and catch up.

After a quick catnap, we took in Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia at IMAX. True, it was air conditioned, but being that the temperatures soared to 33 degrees on the inner Harbour, our next stop was the cold beer store. After beers on his roof, we stopped in briefly at a BBQ (where I met some truly stellar and ridiculously funny people) before heading back downtown so Toni could work it at the door. He’s a doorman at Lucky Bar. For fun.

I played the role of Lucky doorgirl, which involves nothing more than standing around and batting my eyelashes while the guys check ID.

This morning I opted to spend a bit of solo time downtown, so I made an early morning trek along Oak Bay Avenue to where the action is and found myself amongst the tall ships, the last of which were getting ready to set sail for Port Alberni.

Time spent in Victoria is never time wasted; it’s a truly classy city with wondrous sights to see that never cease to amaze me. Viewing the unique homes is alone worth the trip over. As I sit here in my mom and aunt’s lush, green backyard – Vancouver Islander Lager in hand – I am reminded of how grateful I am to be able to call a place like this home. The only sound I hear is the gentle patter of Charley’s paws on our deck and a few tiny birds distantly chirping back and forth in the trees. Now if only I could do something about these mosquitoes…

It’s doubtful that you’ll enjoy tonight’s post unless you’re of the softer-skinned, lovely-scented, shiny hair variety, but that being said, both boys and girls alike may get a kick out of this. I want to jump around to three different places, so hang on – tight!

Appearance Modification Products

One thing I love about getting back to the Island is suburban shopping; in particular, cheaper shopping. It’s always easier to stock up on the goods a girl needs when in small towns.

First up, I grabbed Nivea’s new Summer Touch body lotion with sunless tanner and firming qualities. Being that I’m still in my 20s, firmness doesn’t concern me, but practicing safe sun does. The lotion promises a sunkissed appearance after five days. I’m on day two and already very impressed. I also snagged a cannister of Skintimate’s new “Lotionized” shave gel. Words cannot possibly express the softness said shave gel provides.

As you can see, I finally finished deciding between skincare products and settled on old faithful, Clinique. Already my skin is tingling in delight, so it’s rather clear I made a good choice.

Despite the rain, thunder and lightning outside my apartment window, summer is around the corner, and now is the time to stock up on footwear for sunny days. If you wait until June or July, I’m guessing you’ll be out of luck. Two pairs of flip flops, one pair black and one pair brown, $7.98 each. Score.

Hot summer nights require cool summer attire. With such a long hem and high neckline, I probably couldn’t have picked a less sexy nightgown, but I love the femininity it oozes. Plus, it’s ridiculously light and comfortable.

I like to call it my Jenny Gump gown.

A Journey Through Vogue

As I sat on the Coastal Renaissance on Friday evening, I found myself flipping through the May 2008 edition of Vogue magazine. For some reason, I especially enjoyed this month’s read; much more than most editions. Here were some highlights that either made me ooh, ahh or chuckle.

Which brings me to my third and final point for the evening…

Eating Well For My Body

Everyone who knows me knows I’m a Jugo Juice addict. In fact, I’ve already brought a couple friends over to the Dark Side. Grabbing a “Skinny Peach” juicie has become a daily habit of mine, so out of curiosity, I went to JJ’s website to look up the nutritional information. Oddly enough, everything but the sugar content was listed.

Photo: Little An on Flickr

Being that, as of late, my mom has become somewhat of a walking encyclopedia when it comes to nutritional information, I asked her to give it a shot and figure out the sugar content. We guesstimated somewhere between 18 and 20 grams of sugar per serving! Sick!

I know that natural sugars are necessary, but that is a huge sugar and carb load all at once. Bikini season will arrive before I even know it, so I think it’s time to cut down the JJ addiction to Saturdays, and only while running errands. (That being said, thank goodness Casey’s getting a haircut this weekend!) Drinking that each day while sitting on my rump at my desk is a bad, bad idea.

Sorry to break the news to you, ladies.

…from everyone’s favourite blonde narcissist.

For those of you who have never commented on my blog before, there is a procedure set up for doing so. Whenever someone is a first-time commenter, whatever they write is immediately dumped into my “awaiting moderation” folder until I have the chance to review the comment. As I sat at my desk this morning, an e-mail notification popped up in my Gmail that there was one comment awaiting moderation. This comment, in turn, referred me to a newly minted blog.

I encourage you all to check out said blog here.

I have to say in all honesty that, despite the intent and content, it’s actually very well written.

Thanks for the publicity, Stanley.

A side note to those of you who may be pondering the idea of creating blogs such as Stanley’s open letter to your humble narrator: remember how, just a moment ago, I mentioned that all new comment contributions to my site are dumped into a moderation folder? The beauty in that is the fact that all IP addresses and a whole cluster of other information is also recorded. Because while you could state that you “stumbled upon” which ever blog you decide to target, the information attached to your IP address is proof enough that you visited the object of your obsession by way of Facebook. And, being that my Facebook profile is entirely private, I suppose this means that Stanley is a “friend” of mine.

Nice, hey?

——————————————————————

In the spirit of all things non-Carrie Bradshaw, today was day two of Army & Navy’s annual shoe sale. Fortunately, Rebecca and I were finally able to make it down there today and scoop up some fine finds for summertime.

Army & Navy’s shoe sale continues now until April 27, 2008 at all Army & Navy locations in British Columbia and Alberta.

Last week’s post about the impending summer season got the ball rolling in my head, and I’m actually finding myself looking forward to sunny days and hot nights. However, thinking about such things has turned into somewhat of a slippery slope. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve put any sort of significant punch of new items into my wardrobe. I got to thinking about what I need to stock up on, and the prospect of shopping has got me rather excited. It wasn’t until I was walking home from the office today and did some mathematics in my head that I realized I might be a few dollars short of what I need want, ideally, to stock my closet.

Photo: cmdrray on Flickr

Let’s do the math together, shall we?

_____ _____ large tote, Coach, $398.00
_____ _____ _____ wedge shoe, Keds, $59.99
_____ _____ skimmer shoe, Keds, $39.99
_____ _____ _____ perfume, Holt Renfrew, $80.00
_____ _____ _____ dress, Bebe, $159.00
_____ _____ hoodie, Lululemon, $80.00
_____ _____ pants, Lululemon, $80.00
(*specifics have been redacted to keep your prying eyes away from my much-coveted items)

In addition to this, I’ll need a couple pairs of dressier sandals (Steven Madden wedges?) as well as a minimum of two sundresses. Creating some cushion for a few random accessories and maybe a couple cute tops to go with my new favourite jeans, let’s say that’s an additional $300.00, all in.

SUMMERTIME GRAND TOTAL: $1,196.98

Sooo…does anyone have any super ideas that’ll put a cool $1,200 in my pocket and fast?

Updated – Where There’s Oil, There Will Be Blood

Being the huge fan of ‘No Country For Old Men’ that I am, I was thrilled to learn that it had won the Academy Award for Best Picture several weeks ago. However, after watching ‘There Will Be Blood’ last night, I am singing a different song. ‘Blood’ was completely robbed. Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance was so brilliant that it was often overwhelming just to watch him on screen. His presence is, very simply, satiating. Kudos to the Academy for awarding him the Best Actor trophy.

What I appreciated most about the film as a whole was its authenticity. Despite the quality production of any given period piece, one tends never to forget that they’re watching sets, costumes and props. Not so in this case. They might as well have transported cameras and recording equipment 100 years back in time and shot this film. The movie was just released on DVD yesterday (in eco-friendly packaging, I might add) so if you haven’t yet experienced Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece, do so now.

Photo: Paramount Vantage Pictures on Hampton Roads