Currently viewing the category: "Fall"

Nervous Wreck…

On June 5, 2009 · 18 Comments · In Fall, Parties, Wear
Hello Darlings,

I was a nervous wreck trying to figure out what to wear. When you're a student/ young professional and getting ready to go to an art gallery: WHAT DO YOU WEAR?

I wanted to wear something that was professional, but still me. Something cute but serious. Something appropriate, but not boring. Fashionable but not flashy; subtle and classic but with a twist. So here's what I came up with...
I am wearing:
Wilfred Linen Trench
Armani Exchange Silk Sheer Blouse with Donna Karan Silk Cam
Juicy Couture Mary Jane's
H&M Bow Headband

Not too office-y or grown up, but girl-y and appropriate. Personally, getting dressed for meetings is most difficult. Trying to stay true to your personal style and not looking like everyone else does in business-casual attire is a challenge.

I wish you all a lovely Friday !!!
With Love... Marta
Source: tam tam; james mountford

” Quality over Quantity” Investigated

On March 20, 2009 · 20 Comments · In Fall, Spring, Summer, Wear, Winter
Hello Darlings,

Many people have their own rules and guidelines when it comes to shopping.... After receiving a wonderful e-mail from one of the readers, I set out to make a post regarding my ultimate rule " Quality over Quantity".

 

As a student during the recession, I learned early how prioritize what to buy. Not one to follow trends too closely, preferring to develop my personal style based on classic looks, I believe buying quality classic pieces is most important, because the quality is often better and because classics do not go out of style.

 

Quality over Quantity doesn't automatically mean expensive over cheap... or designer over street... Designer labels or a hefty price tag does not guarantee quality!!! Finding quality requires closely looking at a garment. So in the spirit of good shopping, here are my thoughts:

 

Consider This, when shopping...

1. Consider the Material

  • I prefer natural fabrics and stay away from polyester or synthetics.
  • Sweaters: I like cashmere because it is light, warm and lasts.
  • For going out tops and dresses I like silk.
  • For casual tops and dresses, I like 100% cotton.
  • For shoes, leather.

2. Inspect the Fabric

  • It should be cut and sewn on the grain.
  • Patterns should line up at the seams' especially at the shoulders, collar and sewn-on (patch) pockets.
  • Hold fabric to light and make sure the weave is tight, even and uniform.
  • The fabric should also hold its shape well.
  • Grab the fabric at the seams with both hands, and gently pull. If the thread in the seams pulls apart, they're not sewn properly.

3. Check the Seams and Hems

  • Seams and hems of a high-quality garment are always sewn straight.
  • Hems should be nearly invisible.
  • Garments should have at least two inches wide hems to allow for alterations.

4. Check the Buttons and Zippers

  • Check for loose buttons.
  • Button holes in a high-quality garment are often bound with thread for durability.
  • Zippers should move freely up and down without hesitation.

5. Check the Trim

  • Trim should be sewn securely.Gently pull on the trim at different places to test.
  • Trim should complement the garment in color and in style.

6. Check the Lining

  • The lining in suits, blazer, and jackets should be dense and opaque.
  • If the lining was properly sewn into the garment, it will not be tight

7. Check the Belt

  • If a garment comes with a belt check it for quality.
  • A cheap cardboard belt is a sure sign of a cheap garment.

8. Shoes Check

  • The best quality shoes are made of leather.
  • Check the tag if you are unsure - many types of leather look "real".
  • Examine the sole to make sure it is firmly attached to the shoe.
  • Extras should always be attached securely.
  • High-quality dress shoes have leather heels, sometimes with a layer of rubber or nylon on the back edge of the heel.
  • Heels for women are usually plastic covered with leather. The higher the price, the higher quality the plastic.
  • Inspect the shoe's interior. Leather interiors absorb foot moisture best.
  • Good-quality shoes are fully lined from front to back.
 

Care Instructions

Proper care can increase the life of your garment. So be sure to read the label and know how to properly care for your clothes.  
 

Personal View

I understand why people prefer to buy multiple items - it's more fun! But I have learned my lessons, and almost always choose quality over quantity.   For some specific advice, I will be honest and say that I am not a big fan of brands like American Apparel and Forever 21... Based on my personal experience, Forever 21 does not last past the first wash and AA is overpriced for the quality they provide. If you love the brands, I hope your experience is better, but for me - never again!   H&M and Zara for trendy, fun things are on my approved list... ( as long as they are made of natural materials) but always make sure to check for quality before you buy.
 

Mainstream Stores WithLove... Loves:

Gap

Banana Republic

Club Monaco

French Connection

 

Contemporary designers and more expensive pieces

(in order of preference):

 

Ssense (great selection and great sales)

Shopbop (great selection, but crazy taxes)

Bluefly (my all time favorite)

in Canada, Holt Renfrew

in US, Bloomingdales

Saks Fifth Avenue ( awesome sales)

Net a porter ( great sales)

 
Preferring quality over quantity is my personal belief, but it is something that takes strong will. The one quality item will serve me better than the three that I must replace in just a wear or two. You don't have to spend a fortune to get quality. It takes patience and searching, not compromising on your standards, checking for the details, and understanding what it is that you want. And remember sales are always great for buying things that were out of your price point before... personally I buy majority of my classic pieces on sale. But do not buy something just because it is on sale, you must love it. Keep in mind that fit matters and right undergarments. As well as, make sure you pay attention to details, especially wrinkles, stains, and holes. THE most important rule, if you don't love it, don't buy it. Buy things that make you feel beautiful and confident. Also Remember that you are going to wear them - so no matter what others think, be yourself and wear what makes you feel wonderful.  
HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited.... after long Canadian winter, it is finally here!!!!
With Love... Marta
Sources: associated content; eHow; fashion spot; Moschino; lolita

Anchors Away - H&M Striped Dress

On October 22, 2008 · 29 Comments · In Fall, Wear
Hello Darlings,

It was anchors away at D&G where messieurs Dolce and Gabbana took a dip in the azure waters of the French Riviera - Make that a long soak. They never do anything halfway, and this collection was no exception, from the first retro navy-striped maillot with a red anchor on the chest to the parade of dresses in pleated gold lamé and chiffon printed with nautical flags and sailor knots.

Drawing inspiration from this fun and absolutely beautiful collection,I decided to give a nautical look a try by downplaying it with a schoolboy blazer.
No Sleep = Looking Good
When you haven't slept for more than 4-5 hours in two weeks and survive on espresso and red bull, and have a weird buzzing noise in your head, and when nothing else matters AT LEAST TRY TO LOOK GOOD going into the exam .... that was my way of making myself feel like a girl and not a hermit :)
P.S. I wasn't cold since I drive to school and park right across the street :) and I wore tights... lol
I am wearing: H&M Striped Dress - $34.99 Talula Wool Blazer - $148 Michael Kors Bootie - $230 Firenze Collection Bag - about $ 100-150 on sale ( I've had it forever) Diamond/Platinum Studs - sweet 16th gift from mommy and daddy Non- Mineralized Amber Gemstone Ring with a fossil - family jewel
AND BACK TO BOOKS I GO ... :( BUT NOT BEFORE mentioning this... Since, Ive been "locked away" at home with no social interaction, except for profs, and just surrounded by books, espresso machine and a box of red bull ... I had nothing left to do except to browse an on-line stores on my " caffeine overdosing breaks" and of course pick up a few beauties: ( I couldn't resist or use any common sense... ooh well)
This beautiful Alexander Wang Dress, that I picked up in a last size zero 50% sale from $495 .... ( I hope the duties and taxes are not too high, since that's where I usually get caught with crazy fees,lol)
ANDThis Trash&Luxury Tee that costs in Canada $68, I picked up for $ 39 ---- I feel soo ripped off since I do have a few tee that I did purchase for that crazy price... it should be illegal. lol Photobucket
I can't wait for the dress to arrive ... I hope it's not tooo short. It was my only source of excitement or joy this week ... UGGGH. For the past two week, I've had the " when life hands you lemons, make lemon juice" line stuck in my head and I came to conclusion that whoever thought of this line never had to face exam period ... Because all I have is more lemons and no lemon juice... OOOH YEA, and I am Missing TORONTO FASHION WEEK - because of exams and research. ON a POSITIVE NOTE, Halloween is coming, my last exam is on the 27th and I already have the best costume ... I love it, Can't wait to P-A-R-T-Y :)
Who are YOU dressing up as?
By the way, Yesterday(Tuesday) TORONTO WAS HIT BY LIGHT SNOW .... I just got onto the highway on my way to the lecture and there it was .... in the middle of OCTOBER, but what did I expect... I LIVE IN CANADA, lol.
Happy SNOW DAY?I wish you all a beautiful day
With Love ... Marta
Sources Used: style.com

Black and White in Juicy Couture

On October 19, 2008 · 37 Comments · In Fall, Wear
Hello Darlings,

Although some think black & white are rather boring, I disagree. They are timeless, and are the building blocks of every great wardrobe. To me there's something about the simplicity and charm of black and white... with clean lines that create a crisp look.

Playing with this classic combination, I decided to wear my new Juicy Couture Puff Sleeve Polo with a cute puppy logo and text at the back. It's a simple polo with very feminine details

I am wearing: Juicy Couture Puff Sleeve Polo - $78 J - Brand Jeans - $158, on sale for $98 Soia& Kyo Charlie Coat - $230 H&M Headband - $3.99 Juicy Couture Italian Leather Boots - $622, on sale for $360 A.V. Max Studded Cuff - $56, on sale for $28  
Obsessed - Yet Again
 
Speaking of Juicy Couture, I am obsessed with how girly, casual, and classic is their brand. I am searching for this flat - if you know where I can order a pair in size 6 or 6.5 - please let me know...
With Love... Marta
Photo Credit: Photo by Walde Huth