Fashion – Page 13

Holiday Double Feature: Office Party

We began the week with a special Holiday Double Feature collaboration with Cassie of Style Cassentials yesterday. If you missed our first post, no worries – click here 🙂

Today we’re we focusing on getting Office Party ready for both before & after 5pm!

Before 5pm…

To get through the workday, I chose a black collared shirt with a gold faux belt attachment (Reitmans) to go with my gold & black brocade pencil skirt (Lane Bryant). Keeping the shoes a simple beige pump (Payless) with sheer black hose (Dollarama).

For the party portion of the day, I’d lose the blazer and put on one piece of awesome jewelry: like this amazing black n’ gold statement necklace (SexyPlus Clothing)! Click here and here to see it in other looks.

Jewelry has been the most successful fashion conversation starter at networking events, or so I’ve found. Both women and men feel comfortable complimenting or commenting on a piece of jewelry. It’s considered in the safe zone — Statement Jewellery May Help You Network.

Are you more of an earrings girl? Go For It! You can wear a big bracelet or put that vintage embellished hair clip in your do. Just stick to one eye catching piece of jewelry….try not to over do it.

Now, to elevate my look After 5pm…

I got rid of the collared shirt, and went with the mock-neck peplum top with a sheer peek-a-boo neckline (Forever21+)

I didn’t want to add anything more to the neckline of this top, so I opted for bling’d out earrings instead (Your Big Sister’s Closet)…

I also swapped shoes for these edgy gold spiked pumps (Torrid, click here and here) with a purse to match (Danier Leather, click here) and put my hair up.

Cassie green leopard dress is amazing….! With blazer or without it’s perfect for office party mode, don’t you think?
Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on how Cassie has styled the trends. Or visit her Facebook page here.

10860374_608770739268617_1567364592_o — Cassie of *Style Cassentials*

What do you think about these look? What have you worn to your work’s holiday party? Tell me in the comments section…

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Holiday Double Feature: Red & Green

Your holiday calendar is likely packed with tons of parties and get-togethers over the next couple weeks. You’re gonna need a festive frock or two for this super-social season.

Not to fear friends, me & Cassie of Style Cassentials, are gonna be giving you some inspiration when it comes to outfits, accessories and all that jazz ALL WEEK with our special Holiday Double Feature collaboration!

We’re kicking off the series talking about the classic christmas combo colours of Red and Green 🙂

When I’m feeling festive, it’s hard for me not to over do it with the reds and the greens. For holiday parties, pick one to avoid looking like a christmas ornament 🙂

This green fanny midi skirt is pretty great – so great in fact, that I even bought it in a wine red too! Click here to see that. To make it holiday and winter ready I paired it up with a simple black sweater and jazzed it up with jewellery.

The details on the neckline and arms of this black sweater were really pretty, and to draw attention to them I kept the jewellery minimal & matching in a deep red-gold combo to give my overall outfit the festive feeling I was after.

How I Got The Look: Fanny midi skirt from Tatyana Boutique; Black sweater from Reitmans; Maryjane shoes from NineWest; Purse from Danier Leather; Red cuff and necklace from Celo, Gold on red belt from Fashion Crimes

I wore this outfit (slightly modified) recently, to Your Big Sister’s Closet store’s holiday bash — since it was a mild evening I wore a simple black corp top (Forever21+, click here), my faux fur bag (Aldo, click here) and black suede booties (Nine West, click here) instead.

While I went green, Cassie did the opposite showcasing a red dress with sheer panel at the hem of the skirt, with green nail polish to add to her festive look. Her crisp white blazer can take this look to the office …and beyond! Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on how Cassie has styled her holiday look below. Or visit her Facebook page here. 🙂

What do you think about these looks? How are you going to be rocking the festive red & green this holiday season? Tell me in the comments section…

Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue with this special Holiday Double Feature Collaboration!!!!

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fanny midi skirt — Photo Credit: Val Soo

“Ugly” Christmas Sweater

Ok, so Ugly Xmas Sweaters are everywhere!!

Truth is, I prefer ‘cute’ over ‘ugly’ …. so, I picked up this Giant Rudolph sweater from Ardene ($20) to meet this need in my life 🙂

Kinda perfect for just throwing over a dress, and viola! Instantly you’re festive ready outfit is complete.

This is one of my favourite dresses I picked up from Forever21+ earlier this year. It’s perfect for swing dancing too …keeping the ‘girls’ locked n’ loaded AND covered up for close dancing … plus the criss-cross back cutouts are helpful for cooling down between dances. To see it in other looks, click here.

Wore these cute silver bow earrings I recently picked up at a vintage sale

colin-firth_2740666a — Colin Firth **swoon** as Mark Darcy in Love Actually, in his classic xmas jumper

When I saw this sweater … it totally made me think of the handsome and adorable Colin Firth, in my favourite holiday movie: Love Actually…

The hope was to wear this sweater and attend The Gladstone Hotel’s 12 BEERS of Christmas! Sadly, tickets were soldout at the door…so a few of us ended up drinking and dining elsewhere in the area before returning for live music and swing dancing.

If you’re looking for an excuse to wear an ‘ugly xmas sweater’ yourself, click here to see a listing of fun ideas of how to incorporate this fun theme into your holiday plans!

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Holiday Happenings: The Ugly Xmas Sweater Party

Now that we’re firmly in the middle of December, there’s bound to be a “cheesy”, “ugly” “holiday/xmas/Christmas sweater“ party in your future.

Me personally, I’ve got three separate invites and opportunity to wear one all happening THIS week!!! Knowing this, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect one…and I think I found just that ========> Ta-Dah!!!

A Xmas Sweater of Scottie Dogs WEARING Xmas Sweaters!!! OMG! Right!??

Not only is this sweater a convenient cardi …. the details of this knit are pretty amazing:

Those little red specs are actually knit HEARTS. And the BUTTONS!!!! Just look at these buttons!!!!!

AND I found it on FACEBOOK being sold for $10!!!!! BOOM!

SCOTTIE DOG — LOOK AT THE BUTTONS!!!!! Little Scottie Dogs — seriously!?!? The cutest things ever!

How I Got The Look: I’ve had this Dorothy Perkins mini dress for a while now – I don’t often wear it on its own as it’s uber short and clingy. I typically wear it as a top to show off the amazing shoulder pleats of this dress. But this Christmas red dress paired with this “ugly” holiday sweater, over-the-knee boots (AdditionElle) and sheer black hosiery just seems to work, don’t you think?

Now, for the office party this week — I’m gonna swap the sheer hose for thick black leggings. Ideally, I’d like to wear it with my plaid leggings to add more length to this skirt…if I can find them :).

So, waddya think of this “Ugly” Christmas Sweater look? I DARE you to call it “ugly”…...I DOUBLE-DOG-DARE YA!!!! 😉 Classic line from my fav holiday movie A Christmas Story AND I’ve got double dogs on this sweater… I’m freakin’ hilarious!!!

Do you have any such holiday happenings to attend in your future?

If you’re looking for an excuse to wear one yourself, here’s a listing of fun ideas of how to incorporate this fun theme into your holiday plans!

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Blast From The Past Vintage Prom

On November 28th, Rosie The Rebel – a retailer of retro and alternative clothing – hosted a fantastically themed party at The Great Hall, in Toronto:

Blast From the Past Vintage Prom: For Those Born in the Wrong Era

Think back to the prom scenes in classic movies like “Back To The Future” and “Grease” —> **swoon** What a terrific idea to recreate a ‘perfect night’ to live out your Vintage Prom Fantasy!

For those of us who were born in the wrong era, Vintage Prom gave us an opportunity to live out THAT fantasy Prom night!

The Toronto Vintage Society was on hand to help decorate and set-up the place with a Winter Wonderland theme. There was live music from the GreaseMarks with Rock and Roll hits from the 50s and 60s, followed by tunes by DJ Dr. Velvet.

Live Music from the GreaseMarks — Live Music from the *GreaseMarks*

There were Vendors vending, Single Hearts ready for pinning, Ballot casting for Prom King & Queen ….. and there were even a bunch of Swing Dancers on the floor that night – myself included!

PLUS a special performance from Miss Kitten Monroe:

And there was even a Photo Booth set up to capture your cheesy Prom moments!!! Photos below by Eye Candee Visuals/Ashley Gillick:

winter wonderland vintage prom — Photo Booth pic of Monika & I wearing our ‘single hearts’ …donning repurposed bridesmaid dresses of our past

vintage prom — Toronto Vintage Society – aren’t we a good looking’ group? 🙂

What I Wore:

How lucky was I to have been a bridesmaid earlier this year to already have a perfectly matching aqua coloured dress at-the-ready for this Winter Wonderland themed event! Sadly, it got terribly wrinkled throughout the night… not cute, sigh…

fake prom — Rocker boots under my prom dress a la “My-So-Called-Life”….

plus size prom — Halter bridesmaid dress from *David’s Bridal*; Rocker boots from Aldo; Feather hair piece was gifted; Jewellery from *Panache* (worn on MY actual Prom Night)

Oh, the memories! 🙂

Did YOU go to your Prom? What did you wear?
IF you got the chance to do it all over again, and create ‘a perfect night’, would you?

Come make some more fun-filled memories This Weekend (TODAY Saturday December 6th) It’s the Toronto Vintage Society’s Kitschmas Cabin party!! $5 gets you entertainment galore all starting at 8pm tonight! Hope to see you there!!!

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Holiday Happenings: Vintage Cookie Exchange

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Ok…the holiday season is upon us and I’m sure you’ve got 101 places to be as invitations start filling up your calendar. I aim to write not only about What I Wore …. but rather What I Did while wearing it.

So get ready for a flurry of Holiday Happening posts from me throughout the month of December friends 🙂

One of the first invitations was to a Vintage Cookie Exchange!

If you’ve been following the blog, you know that there is a group of special friends in my life from all my involvement with the Toronto Vintage Society. Among them are the crafty, kitchy, artsy, put-Martha-Stewart-to-shame few who’ve really helped me expand and discover new skills I never knew I had. And this invitation was one of those moments of discovery!!!!

The Mission: Bake 8 dozen holiday inspired cookies to give away to the others who were coming to this shindig, plus a few to be plated, shared and enjoyed at the party.

Now, for a chick (moi) who doesn’t bake, my immediate thoughts were …. DUN DUN DUNNNNN…Run Away! Run Away! in a Monty Python spirited way.

But then I bought this amazing fanny midi skirt, which would be perfect for the get-to-gether …and so I decided I’d make an effort by trying my hand at baking! 😉

I picked up this lovely skirt from Tatyana Boutique’s newest location on West Queen West during their BOGO deal. Yup – Buy One, Get One FREE!!! Naturally I had to scoop up this midi in both colours: wine and green. Needless to say that these two skirts will be making multiple appearances over the holidays (stay tuned to the blog for that!) 🙂

Best part about these skirts: THE POCKETS!! Perfect for iPhone, cab fare and lip gloss … you know, the essentials!

In an effort to step my up holiday glam, I decided to wear festive accessories like my gold xmas bows set I picked up from Target a few years ago. Still kicking myself for not picking them up in the other metallic xmas colours they had at the time. Sigh…

How I Got The Look: Black n’ white polka dot 3/4 length top from Reitmans; Fanny midi skirt from Tatyana Boutique; Xmas bows accessory set from Target; and shoes were thrifted

fanny skirt by Tatyana Boutique — Outfit Photo Credit: Val Soo

As for my baking effort and contribution … I’ve been told that peanut butter cookies are the easiest of all the cookies to make. And with the help of Pintrest, I found the following recipe and added my own holiday twist and TRIPLED it!

Ingredients (needed for approx 3doz cookies):

1/2 c. butter (unsalted is best, but salted works fine)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Un-wrapped Hershey Kisses, 1 for each cookie

I’ve even documented my efforts step-by-step for y’all 🙂

Step 1: In the bowl cream together butter, both sugars and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla. Step 2: Then combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Add flour mix to butter mix. Step 3: Refrigerate dough in bowl for 30 minutes.

Step 4: While dough is in fridge, preheat oven to 375C, line your cookie sheets and unwrap all your Hershey’s Kisses. I went with Hugs instead…the swirls looked more ‘holiday-like’ 🙂

Step 5: Form into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.

Step 6: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are just a little brown.

Step 7: Discard all the burnt ones – lol. This was my very first batch…seems the recommended use of parchment paper was of critical importance. Sigh…

Step 8: Remove from oven, and press a Kiss/Hug into each cookie. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes and then move cookies to cooling racks (or plate).

Step 9: Put a dozen of them into individual festive baggies to give away at your Vintage Holiday Cookie Exchange! I call these cookies: Christmas Hugs!!

10492245_1498558893760516_3428079132039143013_n — Step 10: Become Cookie Monsters with your cookie baking friends and eat as many as you can in a violently horrific manner!! #nomnomnom

This was my first cookie exchange ever – first time baking cookies ever, in fact. And with relatively little work and preparation I’m now am able to offer a variety of lovely baked goods to family & friends at upcoming holiday festivities and gifting. HAZZA! 🙂

Between all the shopping, parties, wrapping, decorating, and travel this time of year, most of us would put “more time” as the number one item on our holiday wish lists. So this year, why not kill two turtledoves with one stone by hosting a cookie exchange party?

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CNL Designs: Redesign of Rosegal Dress

Y’all know how weary I am about online shopping and the potential “shipping back hassle” if something doesn’t fit right…right?

Well, since taking the Measure ME Beautiful Challenge and learning what my measurements truly are, I’ve been braver about ordering things online.

Like this adorable Roesegal Peter Pan Collar Dress — isn’t it just delightful? And to my heart’s content it went up to XXL, who’s measurement chart said this would fit a 95cm (which translate roughly to about 38-inches waist – HAZZA!). Knowing it would be a bit snug, with the free shipping, I figured I could get it taken out a bit by a sew-fabulous gf, if needed and it would be fine. It was just too cute – and it had to be mine.

Weeks go by, to the point of me forgetting that I even ordered this piece in the first place…..and then this dress finally arrives. The website is a liar! The dress measures 15 inches across — It is COMPLETELY too small. And now I have a broken heart and a beautiful dress that will never be worn by moi 😦

My shipping back hassles were immediately realized – and I was forced to put this baby on my TrendTrunk in hopes she’d find love on a slender diva.

And then I met Carmen Nadine Lewin, Owner of CNL Designs who specialize in custom clothing. I shared the story of my pink dress sadness … then handed it over to her to work her magic, as she began to redesign this frock just for me. 🙂

Step 1: Create more room for ‘The Girls’ 😉

Step 2: Add length to the hem, keeping it 30-plus appropriate for my comfort level 😉

Step 3: Recreate the sweet features from the original piece – like the Peter Pan collar in delicate lace instead.

While Carmen was busy fixing the dress, I focused on accessories 🙂

I added a bow-tie skinny belt (Sealed With A Kiss) to the waist with my owl earrings (Forever21)…

In the end, we decided not to recreate the Peter Pan collar, as it would cover up the sweet little pleated details on each shoulder. Instead we kept the arms and neckline simple with black piping instead, leaving the only lace detail for the hemline.

And Vola! Here’s the dress recreated to fit moi:

Even with the black lace hem, the skirt is a bit shorter than I typically like to wear. Wearing some opaque tights would totally give this frock a different look and feel. Adding tall boots to this sweet little dress would totally change the look again 🙂

So thrilled this online purchase wasn’t a complete waste! (Thank you Carmen, xo)

Waddya think about this dress’ transformation by CNL Designs? Carmen Nadine has quickly become my hero!!! Click here to see her magic at turning me into SHE-RA Princess of Power this year for Halloween!

Looking to hire her for some custom duds for an upcoming event? Or perhaps you’d like her to repurose/redesign something that no longer fits you right. Whatever it maybe, Carmen Nadine Lewin can help you get that custom-one-of-a-kind-unique-to-you look! Just click here and tell her Irene of Petite Plus, Meow! sent ya 😉

Now, I’ve yet to wear this redesigned dress out yet. Where would YOU wear it? How would you ‘winter-ize’ it? Use the comment section and tell me your thoughts friends.

Stay tuned to the blog for more CNL Designs features on the blog. xo

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Getting It REIT

I have to say that I’ve been pleasantly surprised by all the sale items in Reitmans these days. My entire outfit (minus the accessories) in this post has been assembled from the pieces I’ve picked up at from their Clearance Sale racks.

The easiest way to make your Summer pieces more Fall appropriate isn’t to ditch them altogether, but to come up with new ways to wear them.

Mark downs were as follows:

‘Love’ sweater $19 …. Black n’ White striped maxi skirt $19 ….Wine moto jacket $59

I picked up this wine moto jacket, that your advice PPMeow readers, when it was on sale (at $75). Buuuuut it was further reduced upon my last visit, and I managed to get a price adjustment for the difference. BOOM!

Aren’t these socks great!! They were birthday prezzies – pink owls – aren’t they a “Hoot” 😉

How I Got the Look: All clothing from Reitmans;Red leopard circle scarf from AdditionElle; Michael Kors bracelet watch; Suede booties from Nine West + Gloves from Danier Leather + Faux Fur purse from Aldo Accessories (click here for details on these three items)

I wore this outfit on a mid-week date night.

I’m really diggin’ this maxi skirt with the high side-slit… Casual yet sexy at the same time….to show off my legs. I love my legs! 😉

If you haven’t gone to Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Putt….you need to get to there! Sooooo much fun!

Sadly, I lost by one stroke. Meh … I let him win 😉

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SONSEE Woman – Product Review

The easiest way to make your Summer pieces more Fall/Winter appropriate isn’t to ditch them altogether, but to come up with new ways to wear them.

I picked up this dress from BIGDeal Toronto‘s pop-up sale.

I picked up this sheer, pleated, sleeveless dress from BIGDeal Toronto’s pop-up sale a few months ago, and was determined to transition it for Fall/Winter wear. (Click here for other ideas to transition summer into winter outfits.)

Transitioning this into a Fall/Winter outfit required hosiery and a sweater. I love the way adding tights to dresses and skirts easily give them a whole new look.

Personally, I think tights give my outfit a chic, sophisticated, lady-like look. Lucky for me Sonsee Woman sent me two packs of tights to review, which do just that! 🙂

Sonsee sizes come in Gorgeous (14-16), Flawless (18-20), Stunning (22-24) and Radiant (26-28).

Unlike shape-wear – Sonsee is both comfortable & smoothing with broad ranges in sizing, products and seasonal colours. I was sent “Shadow” – a solid grey colour shown in these pictures, and “Black” which I’m yet to wear (click here to see how I’d wear them).

I have to say, I’ve become ever dependent on buying cheap hose from the Dollarstore. Being petite (aka short) their ‘queen size’ seems to do the job, but these are only really good for one-time wear.

These Sonsee tights were such a nice change in terms of fabric quality, with a fabulous “sheer:thickness ratio”. Meaning I didn’t have to fear ripping them as I rolled them up my leg. They’ve got an anti-roll waistband which allows you to wear them high or low on the waist with comfort. And there’s extra reinforcement at the thighs for greater durability – and “Lighting & Thunder” – my loving nickname for MY thighs – really appreciate that! 😉

Since I wear a size 18 in clothes, I ordered my Sonsee tights in size Flawless (18-20). Being petite, this size was a bit too big on me. Next time I’d order a size smaller to avoid extra length and scrunching at my ankles, as you can see in the close up shots in the pics above.

To up the sophisticated vibe of this outfit, I added my navy statement necklace & earring set from LOFT and covered up my arms with a simple v-neck grey cardi from Old Navy.

You really do get what you pay for. These Sonsee hose transitions this Summer dress perfectly into sophisticated chic Winter wear, don’t you think?

What do you look for in your tights and hosiery products? Leave a comment and share your thoughts friends 🙂

FYI — Sonsee Woman offers FREE worldwide shipping – when you buy two or more pairs; enter coupon code: SONSEELOVE at checkout, just sayin’!

How I Got The Look: Shadow grey tights, Sonsee Woman; Grey & black maryjane shoes, Nine West; Tri-coloured pelted sheer-dress, BIGDeal Toronto pop-up sale; Grey cardi, Old Navy; Statement necklace and earrings set from LOFT.

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Farewell to Fall: Round Up!

Ok friends….seems like Fall came and went in a blink of an eye and we’ve already been thrown into Winter weather. I thought before we start focusing on winter wear, we’d take a look at some of the trending colours and vibes in Fall fashion on the blog.

Here’s a roundup of a few I personally have embraced over the last few months of blogposts. Each image is linked to this individual post, just click on it for more details on the look 🙂

Proofs-14 — The Classic Combo: Black n’ White

Fall (and Winter) is perfect for ‘Sweater Weather’ …. so here are a few looks incorporating just that – sweater glamour:

Transition Summer into Fall with sweater love

The big patterns I noticed and loved the most this Fall have been BLOOMS ON BLACK and PLAID!

plus size fashion for fall — Blooms on Black

and last, but not least….is LEATHER!! It was everywhere:

Loving the leather at the hems and shoulders of this Newsprint Navy frock

Warming up my leather moto with a black n’ white plaid poncho

Wearing a leather jacket as a blazer to take a jumpsuit to the office

Profs II-62 — Leatherette panels and collar for some edgy office wear

leather plus size fashion — Adding leather to dark florals

And of course a combination of everything above to transition a maxi skirt for sweater weather and leather — a little teaser of an upcoming blogpost friends 😉