Wednesday, May 26, 2010

late registration

SO, i'm late.
That is getting on the bandwagon of polyvore obsession..

Here's my first look:






If you have a polyvore account, let me know!

To Splurge or Not to Splurge..

Keeping up with the trends of today can be a very expensive habit and sometimes the new trendy item of the week can be worth three pay cheques. It's just not worth it, especially with so many DIY blogs out there, teaching us how to achieve trendy looks for less by simply making them. Unfortunately, not everything can be made by our worker hands, therefore spending is the only option.



Worth the Splurge:

(1) BOOTS
Splurging on a pair of boots means that they will last longer than a pair you would get from, let's say, FOREVER 21 or URBAN BEHAVIOUR. I can say this with confidence because I myself have gone through many "cheap" pair of boots, that have sadly made their debut in the garbage dump. With all the pairs I have bought (a "cheap" pair costs about $30-$40) I could have purchased a really expensive pair. Learn from my mistake and invest on a good boot or two or three. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.


Let's do the math here:
A pair of boots from Urban Behaviour/Urban Planet/Forever 21.. = $29.99 or $39.99
2 pairs of ankle boots x $29.99 = $59.98
2 pairs of boots x $39.99 = $79.98
1 pair of ankle boots and 1 pair of 'normal' boots = $69.98

If you purchase two pairs in the beginning of winter and another in the middle of the winter.. you'd have spent a total of about $136.oo. You're better off buying boots that cost a bit more that you can rely on.



Frye Boot, $398


So... what kind of boot is a "good investment"? Good question. This boot should be practical and wearable. When looking for a perfect pair, imagine yourself in the desired boots in jeans or a dress. Can you see yourself wearing them at school, work or for drinks?
If you're still underestimating a pair, go in on two different days: one day wear your favourite jeans, shirt, etc... a typical outfit of yours. Then on the other day, wear leggings or a dress with tights. This should assist you in finding out if the boots are compatible with your clothing.

These boots are expensive for a reason, they are meant to last longer than a pair you bought for twenty bucks, so take care of your boots. Make sure to put protector on them before wearing them out. (If you're really keen about protecting your shoes, spray protector on it every time you go out.)



(2) BAG
... featuring MATT & NAT
This is one of those debatable items.. how much is too much and how little is too little? A good bag should cost you a few dollar signs, that is if you want it to last you a long time and if you plan to use it on a regular basis. Whereas, a bag that you intend to use maybe once or twice, shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. I love the bags that Matt & Nat make - they are fashionable, practical, and inexpensive... considering how long these bags can last. A good bag is going to cost you a little bit more money because it's simply better made.
However, it is not necessary to buy a bag that costs you thousands and thousands of dollars. These bags are NOT practical. Think about it: would you really want to use your wonderful $2000 [insert brand name here] everyday? It'd get so worn out and lose it's wonderfulness in no time. If you truly want a good bag, expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars, but don't be afraid to say no to anything more. (UNLESS, it's a cute vintage Chanel bag...)

If you are going to splurge on bag, make sure it is one that you will love for years to come! (Not just for right now.)


Left: Tundra - Stellar, $225; Right: Orbital - Perforated, $150



Left: Laroux - Nappa, $185; Right: Lindstrom - Nappa, $265


If you are like me and attend school, you might want to opt for a backpack (those heavy anthropology and sociology textbooks can be a bit heavy for a hand or shoulder bag..). Matt & Nat have a wonderful backpack for the fashionable school-goer. The backpack comes in magenta, white, and black. I'm completely in love with this magenta one. It's pink. It's studded. It screams "cool". What's not to love?!


Odyssey - Nappa, $225


(3) JEANS
A good pair of jeans will cost you $60.00 - $175 or more, depending on the brand and the fit that you are looking for. Anything more than $250 for a pair of jeans.. is just a bit ridiculous, so use your own discretion when purchasing a pair of jeans.



Left: William Rast, Tori Legging, $175; Center: 7 For All Mankind, The Skinny in Worn Indigo, $149; Right: William Rast, Jerri Ultraskinny, $195


If you are planning to splurge on a pair of jeans, don't settle for just any. TRY! TRY! TRY. Also, you are your best critic, so if you disagree with the salesperson, don't be afraid to let them know. Most of the time, the salesperson just wants to make a good sale so you could end up buying a pair that you're totally not 100% in love with.

So Not Worth the Splurge:

- Trendy (couture) items: These items aren't here to stay. Think Mcqueen's Armadillo heels or Balenciaga Lego heels. These items, no doubt, make a statement but once they are out of style, they will forever stay in your closet (or until fashion decides to recycle itself again.)
- Ripped/ distressed denim: Why pay $150 dollars for a pair of jeans that have been destroyed, when you can do it yourself? The wonderful thing about the internet is that there are so many online tutorials on how to make your own distressed denim. All you need to do is grab a pair of your really old jeans and voila, you have your own pair of distressed denim.
- Leggings: If you want a good pair of leggings that will last you sometime, expect to pay a bit more but do not, i repeat, do not spend anything more than $30!

Ripped leggings, distressed denim, and studded shoes can easily be made via DIY projects; and spending anything more than $50 on these items are simply ridiculous.






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So, what say you? What was your best investment and worst investment? Feel free to comment!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

IT'S STARTING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE..

SUMMER, SWEET OH, SUMMER!




It's that time of year again where winter knits and dark hues retire to the back-end of the closet and the soft linens and pastel colors make a fresh appearance.


Here are my top 5 summer must-haves, you know, the things every girl should have in order to keep fresh- supaaa fresh- even in the hottest of hot weather!


Dresses ++ Perfect for a day at the park, a family gathering, or a stroll at your favorite shopping boulevard - dresses are the answer to simple femininity. They look great with almost* any type of shoe - sandals, flats, boots, and even tennis shoes, for a more casual look.




*Do use your own discretion with this!

Rompers/ One-Piece++ If sweats are to a lazy day, then rompers are the equivalent but without the bulk and, a bit more fashion-forward (okay, okay.. a LOT MORE). Rompers are the answer to those days where you have no idea what to wear or simply in a rush. They can be played up or down according to the occasion. Every girl should have one in their wardrobe.






Note: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, refrain from buying terry-clothed rompers. These only work if you live on a beach or at least, 5 minutes away from one. They just look like you are either a.) ready to take a bath or b.) just got out of one.

Shorts ++ It's 30+ weather and well, who really wants to wear jeans (or long pants for that matter? Shorts are the summer's answer to looking fresh and keeping cool. Denim shorts are perfect for those days when it's way too hot to wear jeans.





denim jacket++ i love denim jackets. End of story.




Sunglasses ++ IS A MUST! Pretty much explanatory... no need to explain this one, do I?