The unsung hero behind my many photos is my man. He begrudgingly is there to make sure I get a post worthy shot.
For his 30th year I wanted to show him some extra love and do something special. Usually we don’t do gifts, but this year was momentous so….
I’d like to thank Adorn for the invitation to their grand opening!
They have a mix of pretty bohemian to airy modern attire.
Each piece is stylish “easy-wear.”
It had been long overdue for a trip to my local Goodwill.
But it was definitely worth the wait- because it was my best haul ever!
I found even more than what I brought home.
But the stuff I couldn’t leave behind were…
It’s time to store away those skirts and dresses?!
Umm I think not- that’s like half my wardrobe gone …just like that.
That’s why I invest in coloured and printed tights.
Use colourful & stylish layers to keep yourself warm!
[ Jewels of yours Tassel Necklace , Aveeno Moisturizer, Neutrogena Cleansing Wipes, Proactiv Refining Mask, Almay Smart Shade, Target Bag ]
My Must-Have Skincare Products
If I’m going anywhere I definitely need a cute bag, a go with everything necklace, and my skin care products!
I have suffered from acne ever since puberty hit. I’ve tried every different kind of skin care products.
I’ve even seeked out help from my doctor.
what I’ve found:
Some products dry out your skin, some leave it feeling like there is gunk on top of your skin.
It’s taken me 25 years and I have finally found products that I like.
I still have breakouts whether flared from stress, ‘that time of the month,’ or a few too many cheat days on the diet.
The products above help manage my skin- and make it look its best!
I never partook in wedding-play as a child. I haven’t dreamt about my wedding dress and ring every waking moment. But I can appreciate the romantic side of wedding nuptials. Although I find the notions of romance often get swallowed up by the circus of the wedding party.
Therefore when I was asked to style a wedding by the digital wedding BFF lover.ly– I was very upfront with my hesitation- Claiming that I would be happy merely to go to the courthouse for my hypothetical wedding rather than the traditional big wedding or beach side wedding. I was encouraged none the less to style a wedding at a courthouse. Completely intrigued to test my styling techniques, I happily obliged.
Ok so how do you style a look for a courthouse? My first thought was to go with a short dress. But the dresses did not feel special enough; they felt as though they took the ceremony out of the wedding. So I started to search for a new dress that felt formal yet easy and comfortable. I came across this beautiful blush coloured corset bhldn dress. I also thought that the blush colour was perfect for this non-traditional wedding.
Even though the wedding setting isn’t traditionally formal; courthouses are often in the grandest or oldest buildings in the city. They often have grand architecture or at least great character. To match this feeling I wanted the bride’s look to feel just as royal. Therefore the formality of a long wedding dress would not feel “out of place” in its surroundings. I also choose to go with a sparkly headpiece instead of a veil because it was untraditional yet royal.
I didn’t think the bride’s look should have a tonne of jewellery even though I found more than a few pieces that would look amazing. I wanted her look to not only be non-traditional and royal, I wanted it to be comfortable and easy. Therefore I didn’t choose a necklace because it would compete with the bedazzlement on the corset of the dress. But I did pick a pair of low hanging pearl earrings that added a classic touch, but still allowed her bare skin to speak to the simplicity of the look.
For a shoe I knew i had to go with an open strappy heel. A closed heel would feel too heavy for the dress. I needed the heel to be comfortable as well and the ankle strap makes the heel an easy wear. Lastly it matched the sparkly blush toned wedding dress perfectly.
All together it creates my non-traditional, simple and chic, royal wedding look.
Check out Loverly in the link above to style your own wedding look! 🙂
Our shop their site here: http://lover.ly/shop/dresses/bride
link Here!!
Paying $400 to Brand Myself.
Once upon a time my heart was stolen by Valentino.
He came across my news feed, and won me over with his blushing colour and his classy bow ties.
![imagejpeg_2[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/imagejpeg_21.jpg)
![PicsArt_1407609847740[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/picsart_14076098477401.jpg)
Meet Mr. Valentino.
My heart still aches that I do not own this beautiful bag.
But my ultimate decision was to walk away.
…
As you may have guessed the price of this beauty was the decision factor.
Branding myself with this bag would sting my budget in a hard way.
And I ultimately decided that the beauty wasn’t worth the pain.
…
While tormenting over this decision at home and at work.
I was given some rather interesting advice.
If the bag is worth more than what you would carry inside it…then you can’t afford it.
I already knew I couldn’t afford the item.
But I guess the poetic wording of this statement had turned a light bulb on in my head.
…
Why do people buy brands?
There are 3 logical reasonings to do so:
1. Confidence that the brand represents quality
2. Keeping up with the Joneses mentality
3. Loyalty ie. emotional attachment to brand
My desire was strictly to do with number 2.
To be able to say I own a Beautiful Valentino bag.
But that’s silly.
To me that would be like those people that flash money that don’t have any.
Cue the money selfie.
…
If at some point in time I could walk around easily with disposable money of $400 in my bag.
The value of Valentino would be justified.
But until then… Me, my thrifted bag, and my fabulous self are walking away.
End Rant.
Shopping for Value in your Wardrobe
Here are a few things to think about before you purchase an item.
1. The second opinion test
Everyone shops with a buddy. You need someone to look at you in a different perspective.
Whether it is to comfort your insecurities.
Or maybe to bring you down to earth- to let you know maybe that style makes you chunkier than you really are.
Even if you don’t have someone to come with you today- people have even taken to the internet with the “dressing room selfies” to get that needed second opinion.
Make sure your shopping buddy can be honest though- or you might go home with something that makes your waist look bigger, your butt fatter, or legs stubbier. Whatever the body phenonomen you deal with is!
2. Three outfit rule
Nobody knows your wardrobe like you do- so if you can’t think of 3 outfits with the new item it could be a sign that:
you’re a little love blind.
You’ll take that piece home and it’ll sit in your closet with the tags on.
When I buy something I can not wait to wear it the next chance i get- and that’s because I already have outfits in mind before I leave the store!
3. Am I buying a trend or good style?
I don’t buy trends- and when I have…I often regretted it.
After a while that trend fades and I’m stuck with a pair of pleather leggings that gather dust in my closet.
It’s not that pleather leggings are a bad trend- I mean there is a reason I bought them…Look at those amazing outfits above!
They just don’t fit well with my specific style and the rest of my wardrobe.
Fashion fades- good style is forever.
Sometimes I get asked where I got items that I bought over 5 years ago
That’s because (1) I try and take care of my clothing, and (2) good style is always worth buying
does it make sense yet?
You want a piece forever…not until a new season trend comes along.
…
Exclaimer: If a trend fits your style- Go crazy!
If it goes with the rest of your wardrobe:
It will no longer make your outfit look dated when the trend is gone- instead it will look like that is just your style eternally.
4. How much would you pay for this item?
Ok… it’s passed the second opinion test.
You’re excited about three new outfits you have to wear.
And… you know you’ll love this piece for a long time.
Now is the moment of truth- How much would you pay for this article of clothing?
Fill in the blank…
Don’t look at the tags- just be honest.
I often do this game with my man when I’m not quite sure about an item…I ask him:
“How much would you pay for this?”
If the price is on or under his answer- this article definitely adds value to my wardrobe.
If it’s over- maybe I should hold out for something better or an upcoming sale.
What’s interesting is… I never regret leaving these items behind- I never have that dreaded “I wish I just took it home”
You know why? Because that piece wasn’t worth it!
…
Only get pieces that pass these four tests because then you know you’re buying value!
Great style is melded through a long process of accumulating great pieces that all go together.
Using these four rules before buying will help your wallet stay fuller and your closet more cohesive.
Modcloth and Baby T’s Fashion Diaries
So I am completely flattered to be asked to participate in Modcloth’s uniquely you campaign.
The first article of clothing they have asked me to style in my individual taste is their: “The Garden Home Tour Dress in Pink”
This dress is absolutely stunning!
The cut is absolutely perfect for my body type: a high-waisted dress with a sweet-heart neckline!
And florals are very trendy this spring,
Although I can appreciate the beauty of this dress…
I am not particularly a flowery-pink-girly girl… I am up for the challenge to make this dress my own.
I am going to darken it up a bit!
![PicsArt_1400284998860[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_14002849988601.jpg)
Modcloth Vintage Crochet Cadigan
This Crochet Cardigan keeps the spring look but definitely darkens the look for me. But I do not want to lose my waist so I added a belt.
Modcloth Vintage Feather Belt
The feather ties in nicely with the crochet cardigan, and the teal ties in nicely with the colours of the floral dress. The colour isn’t matchy-matchy with the dress, but they do “go together.”
I was beyond happy when I found these rings that have the deep teal colour of the belt and the white and red from the dress… helping me bring everything together.
Modcloth Trifecta Ring Set
I also like the edgy contemporary style of the rings that contrasts with the old-style of the dress.
Lastly I choose a dark red heel that compliments both the dress and the dark accessories I added.
Modcloth Fine Dining Heel in Rouge
I picked this style of heel to give the dress a more contemporary feel.
…
I did a lot of mixing with this styling:
Mixing: flowerly-pink-girly with dark-crochet-feathers.
Mixing: the old vintage style dress with the contemporary heel and rings.
But I used the colour pallet to help tie everything together.
…
I know some of my readers would love to wear this dress.
You can get this dress and accessories that would go perfectly while representing what this dress stands for at:
My styling has really changed the look of this dress…almost making the flowers ironic.
But the Modcloth campaign is called Uniquely You.
And this is how i would wear and style this dress!
I hope you can appreciate the changes I’ve made to the over all character of the look.
Let me know what you think! 🙂
…
To find other amazing dresses from Modcloth check out their website below:
After my last post I realized most of my outfit was thrifted items. Neat!
But …I actually used to be a thrifting snob. But one day I figured out it that it is great for shopping on a budget. A guilt free way to subdue a shopping craving. You can walk in with under $50 dollars and walk out with bags full.
Have you ever considered thrifting? Cause you should!
Check out some of my thrifted outfits:
![PicsArt_1399397079123[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_13993970791231.jpg)
After one of my first trips to “Goodwill” – I came back with such a haul that i could make a couple outfits with them.
And there they are!
Thrifted items: Sheer blouse, flare skirt, peak toe heels, striped button shirt, black purse, and fitted skirt.
Not too shabby eh?!
![PicsArt_1399397104840[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_13993971048401.jpg)
This outfit has two of my favourite thrifted pieces:You have an adorable checkered sweater, with this royal blue hounds tooth skirt.
LOVE!
![PicsArt_1399397576880[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_13993975768801.jpg)
When you enter the business world, you feel the need to have a business wardrobe. Well a budget friendly way to get one is to check out your local thrift store.
This outfit has two thrifted items: the finely checkered pant, and the bold blue top.
…
Not only can you find some great outfits through thrifting but you can also find some great statement pieces!
![PicsArt_1399397507145[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_13993975071451.jpg)
This gold and black purse is thrifted. When i found it, my jaw literally dropped. It was beautiful and i clutched at it while i continued to shop. No one was taking this beautiful baby from me.
![PicsArt_1399397532262[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_13993975322621.jpg)
This wool skirt is one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe, and it was thrifted!
I hate hanging up skirts and dresses for the winter, but this wool skirt keeps me fashionably warm even in a skirt through the coldest winters.
![PicsArt_1399397473229[1]](https://babytfashiondiaries.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/picsart_13993974732291.jpg)
Lastly this pink scarf and leather jacket are thrifted items. And they are some of my “most-worn” items in my wardrobe.
I love leather jackets, and this thrifted one is my warmest and therefore worn a great deal.
And this scarf is so pretty it always adds a lot to any outfit i pair it with.
…
There are treasures hiding in thrift stores. All you got to do is find them!
Stay tuned soon for a “how to: thrift” post.
I’ve been told by my local thrift store cashier that: “I always find the best items! Every time she looks, she never finds anything”
Well I’ll pass my secrets on to you!
Baby T's Fashion Diaries 