Inexpensive-Shoes and Bags Edition

I love shoes and bags. I mean, it’s kind of in my nature being a girl to love them and I believe that having the right bag and shoes for every outfit is essential but that doesn’t mean having to spend a fortune.

Let’s start with shoes.

Classic Ballet flats. They'll go with everything and are staple for wardrobes.

Toms

D'Orsay Flats are very chic for spring. These type of flats are paired great with jeans.

Aldo

I love slip ons for spring. Casual chic paired with jeans or leggings.

Aldo

Take your heels to the next level. Cut-out pumps are great paired with everything from jeans to dresses.

Aldo

Sandals are a summer must. There are tons of style and colours to choose from, that can be paired with everything. 

Spring

Wedges are a great alternative to pumps and sandals when you want something with a little height but still want the comfort. 

Spring

I love Converse. I think they're the girly sneaker and can be paired with jeans and leggings.

Converse

I love Toms. They're so comfy and come in a large variety of styles and colours.

Toms

They also make really comfy wedges.

Toms

Some of the stores I go to for shoes are Aldo, Spring, Steve Madden, H&M, Toms and Converse; but it all depends on what I'm looking for and what each store has. I'm very picky about shoes and will search for a long time until I find exactly what I'm looking for...even if it takes a while!! If you're looking for seasonal shoes, it's best to look right before the season starts as that's when new styles come in that are trendy.

Next up, bags.

Depending on the season and style you’re looking for, H&M and Aldo have great selections at affordable prices. I also look at independent stores for bags as well, because they’ll have a different selection and you never know what will catch your eye.  As for looking for bags, it's the same for me as when I look for shoes...I'll look until I find what I'm looking for!

It's also a good idea to look at department stores, as they have a great selection of different designers departments. I always find that doing a bit of research helps a lot, especially when I see a certain style or trend that I like, so I know which stores to look at.

One piece of advice on shoe shopping...try them on way before you buy them. Most stores have shoes on display, and if it's you're size, see how it looks. It'll help you decide that you A) love them, or B) not right after all...especially on the comfort level!!

Coming up next...inexpensive-accessories edition!!

Inexpensive: Clothing Edition

While I love high end designer’s, it doesn’t mean that I can afford them (yet), which is why whenever I see a trend, style or look I love, I go to my favourite store and see if I can find something that’s similar, that matches.

Fashion doesn’t have to be expensive to be nice. I’ve found some great deals on nice items from my favourite stores (especially sale pieces).

Tops: You don't need to spend a fortune on a good classic t-shirt. I prefer v-necks, and 100% cotton ones are the most comfortable (also the ones with the little pocket are great).

Image Credit: Gap

Image Credit: Joe Fresh

Jeans: I ones from love Gap and Forever 21 because they're really comfy and you can always find good deals on them.

Image Credit: Gap

Image Credit: Forever 21

I love white jeans, they're a fresh alternative to dark washes, especially in spring/summer!

Image Credit: Gap

Blazers: Zara and H&M have really chic, affordable blazers, perfect for any occasion.

Image Credit: Zara

Image Credit: H&M

Chunky Knits: Old Navy has really great ones that come in so many different styles and colours.

Image Credit: Old Navy

Old Navy also has a really great selection of cardigans and striped tops.

Image Credit: Old Navy

Image Credit: Old Navy

Aritzia has a great cargo/military jacket that comes in a lot of colours. I have this one and it's the perfect spring jacket!

Image Credit: Aritzia

I love jean jackets. I find that they're a great alternative to blazers and cardigans when you want something comfy and casual. I pair mine with dresses and leggings.

Image Credit: Old Navy

Confession...I love leggings. I don't wear (or even own) sweatpants, so they're what I go to for comfort at home or an alternative to jeans when I go out. The trick is to wear ones with full-coverage. I mainly get mine from Aritzia, which aren't too pricey and they last. I've worn them with everything from blazers to my jean jacket to sweaters. You can still look chic wearing them, but they give an added comfort to amy look.

I love button down shirts. I think that they're really chic and with so many styles, they can be paired with so much.

Chambray shirts are in style right now and I love pairing mine with leggings (regular or leather), jeans (yes, it can be done...) and I think in the summer, paired with shorts is very chic.

Image Credit: Old Navy

Zara has really great statement jackets, that range in prices for your occasion and budget.

Image Credit: Zara

These are just some inexpensive pieces and as you can see, you don't need to spend a lot of money to look good, but I do believe that getting good quality pieces is a must. Real fabrics (like cotton and silk) last longer and hold their shape, as well as feeling and fit well. 

Stay tuned for inexpensive shoes edition!!

Hair and Makeup...

Find the right hairstyle can really make an outfit. There’s nothing worse than picking out the perfect outfit and having a bad hair day.

I recently cut my long hair into a shoulder length bob (lob) and I love it. I always wear my hair down and curl it almost everyday, so I’m constantly on the search for different styles on how to wear it.

Here are some of my favourites:

Big, loose waves - to achieve this look, use a 1-inch curling iron and grabbing 1-2 inch pieces, wrap the hair wound the barrel of the curler going back (the “clip” should be facing the front). Keep curling the hair until you get to the root and hold for 5 seconds and release. Continue doing this around your whole head, then using your fingers, smoothen out the pieces of hair and play with it until you find you’re happy. Spray with hairspray if desired.

Allison Williams' hair showcases this style beautifully. One thing I love about this style is if you want bigger waves, simple curl larger sections of hair. So easy.

Messy waves - do the same as above only instead of curling the entire strand of hair, just curl the middle, leaving the end free and don't go to the root. Continue through your whole head and play with the pieces until your desired look is achieved.

Kate Mara's hair shows this look perfectly and the best part of this style, is when you go to sleep, you wake up with messy-bed head, which is totally chic right now!

**Note, if you find your hair looking greasy after the first or second day (depending on how often you wash it) use dry shampoo for a quick refresher**

Sleek ponytail-grabbing all your hair to the base of your head, use a brush to detangle then a comb to smoothen out the fly-away's. The great thing about this style is you can make a lower, or higher ponytail. To make it look sleek, grab a 1 inch piece of hair and wrap it around the elastic band, and secure using a bobby-pin. 

Messy bun-do the same as above for a pony tail only don't worry about making it look neat. Then, take your hair and wrap it in a knot securing it with bobby-pins.

Goody makes some great accessories. I love the Mini Spin Pin that really helps keep buns neat. Ouchless Thin Elastic...there's nothing worse than doing your hair only to have your elastic break, or catch your hair and these not only hold but work so well. They also come in clear.

An alternative to the basic hair tie is the Bungee, which I've recently discovered and holds hair amazingly. 

Now onto makeup...

Like hair, having a good makeup day (even if it's just not much) can really make a difference. I love wearing makeup that's natural, easy to do and doesn't take long on a daily basis, but playing it up with a dramatic eye, or lip is fun too.

For an everyday look like on Emma Watson, start with a foundation that matches your skin, then use soft metallic shadows, like bronze or taupe on your lids blending well. Use a shimmery brown or bronze liner and lightly smudge along the lash line. Curl your lashes then apply mascara, finish off with a soft shimmery power and pink-toned blush.

If you're going with a bold red lip like Jessica Alba, keep your eyes classic with black liner, mascara and using soft metallic shadows. Then, for the red lip, using a pencil in the same shade, lightly trace the outside lip line and use a light concelar to gently tap on your lip (this will help the lipstick stay longer). Use can use the lipstick directly on your lips and fix any bleeding with a small brush or use a brush itself. Blot with a tissue and apply a second coat for a more vibrant lip.

For a smokey eye look, like Charlize Theron use a combination of metallic grey, copper and champagne blending the grey and copper into the outer corner and softly on the bottom lash line, and a charcoal pencil/shadow on the upper-inner lash line and lower lash line. Use the champagne in the tear-dutch as a highlight. Finish the look with black mascara. When doing a darker eye, do a softer lip.

A few tips...

-if you find your eyelids get greasy, or as a primer, use a small dab of concealer and blend before using shadow

-for an even bolder red lip, apply a thin layer of red gloss or use a maroon coloured gloss/lipstick

-try lighter colours in the spring and summer; like lilac, shimmery mint...mix them with soft metallics for a natural-soft look

-for a "wide eye" look, use white liner in the inner eye rim

-to make your eyes stand out, use coordinating-contrasting colours; mix and match colours for a smokey eye, like purples, blues and greens to really enhance eyes

-to un-clump your lashes, use an eye lash comb or a clean mascara wand (wash it with makeup remover to remove excess dry mascara)

-bronzer should be used to give a "sun kissed" look, so apply along the hair line, cheek bones and jawline using a light shimmer or matte colour

These are just some of the looks I love. Hair and makeup should be fun and easy, whether it's for everyday or a special occasion. 

Jewelry...

Jewelry is a style must-have. Whether you go with diamonds, stones, gold or silver, even statement pieces, the right choice can add that finishing touch to any outfit.

Celebrity makeup artist and jewelry designer Jillian Dempsey created a gorgeous line of handmade bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings made in rose gold and diamonds. I’m obsessed with her jewelry line and I love how everything has a punk edge to it, yet is still girly and soft, and can be paired with anything, and worn any time.

Anarchy Bracelet-18K Rose Gold

Image Credit: Dempsey Jewelry

Jennifer Meyer’s jewelry line is made of gorgeous necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that come in different shapes, colours, designs and diamonds. Her delicate stacked rings; bracelets and statement pieces can be paired with anything, anytime.

Gold & Sapphire Thin Ring

Image Credit: Barneys

Ippolita’s jewelry line features beautiful stones, jewels and diamonds in different shades of gold and silver on bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Perfect to add that finishing touch.

18K Gold Drizzle Pave Diamond Flower Stud Earrings

Image Credit: Ippolita

I love J. Crew's statement pieces, as they come in a wide selection of colours, styles and materials.

Faceted Dots Necklace

Image Credit J. Crew

These are just some of the Jewelry designers I love. It's always fun to play around with different pieces, to see what adds that finishing touch to an outfit.

So play around, see what you like and find something that fits your style!!