Friday's Faux Paw

I love muffins – and every type of food for that matter! However muffins do not belong on top of your jeans. I’m speaking of the dreaded muffin top. I know we don’t have perfect bodies. However, low-rise jeans on people who have a bit more curves, making the stomach and sides spill over is not attractive at all. Some ways of avoiding this faux paw is to buy jeans that fit. Do not care about what size they are – cut the tag out once you buy them if you have to. Just worry about fit and how they look – nothing else. If you don’t feel like the goddess you are, then they are not the right jeans for you. Go for mid-rise or a classic fit instead. I don’t mean high-rise (high-waisted) as they are not flattering on most people – just a pair that is a bit above your navel instead of below it. My rating for this faux paw is:

 

7 Charming Sisters - An Awesome Jewelry Company!

This is a sponsored post.

When I was approached by 7 Charming Sisters to showcase their jewelry, I jumped at the chance! Here’s what makes 7 Charming Sisters so interesting – it’s the brainchild of seven “work sisters” who’ve been colleagues for 10 to 15 years. The sisters are: Paula, the elegant Classy Chick, Kim, the vivacious Life of the Party, Jennifer, the dedicated Fashionista, Donalda, the flirtatious Social Butterfly, Jessica, the smart and Sexy Nerd,  Kimberly, the cute Girl Next Door and Melissa, the sporty Super Mom; 7 Charming Sisters has a deep commitment to helping those with disabilities find jobs and employs disabled people in their studio. Many of their handmade pieces are handcrafted by those with intellectual disabilities who earn commission.

They have so many beautiful pieces, I couldn’t decide what to get. For those who are indecisive like me, they categorize their jewelry under each of the 7 sister’s personalities such as Kim – Life Of The Party, Donalda – The Social Butterfly, etc. So you can find a gal you can identify with and check out her jewelry. If that doesn’t help you, you can take a fun What’s Your Style? quiz to find pieces that you’ll love!

You can 30% off right now by signing up to their emails. They also have free shipping in the US and a great clearance sale going on with prices as low as $7 for an item!

So, are you excited to see what I got?

First off is a look for everyday.

Sunglasses: Joe Fresh // Necklace: c/o 7 Charming Sisters // Cardigan: Joe Fresh // Top: Reitmans // Skirt: eBay // Tights: Walmart // Shoes: Thrifted

And because New Year’s Eve is coming soon, I thought I’d also do a party look.

Sunglasses: Joe Fresh // Necklace: c/o 7 Charming Sisters // Wrap: Reitmans // Dress: eBay // Clutch: eBay // Tights: Walmart // Shoes: Walmart

This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are my own.

Tuesday's OOTW - Sparkling New Year

Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas! Still not sure what to wear to your New Year’s celebration? You can check this out. If dresses are not your thing, then why not try faux leather pants and a sparkly sweater? Its hard to tell in these photos but my pink sweater has silver sequins woven into it. I grabbed a leopard clutch just to add a bit more pizazz. So have a fun time Saturday night and remember if you drink, don’t drive! 

Monday's Meme

I stay home on Boxing Day.

Friday's Faux Paw

Today is supposed to be my Friday’s Faux Paw entry, but I thought I’d let everyone off the hook being that it is close to what humans call “Christmas”. My family believes that Christmas is the day Jesus was born to one day save the world from sin and death. Not everyone believes that, but I hope that everyone can agree that it is a day of peace and love to your fellow man (and dog I hope). So wear pyjamas if you must, but make sure you have love in your heart and compassion for those who are less fortunate than you.

 

Joelle and her husband Tim donated some food to feed the hungry. Joelle is also using her singing as a gift at Mass on Christmas Eve. You don’t have to do these exact things, but please consider using your time, talent, or treasure (money) to help others at this time of year. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, shovel your neighbour’s walk, feed your dog some bacon, visit an old folk’s home, or people in the hospital – the list is really endless. I know I speak a lot about dressing well, but at the end of the day dressing great won’t hold a candle to how you’ll feel after doing something good for your fellow human (or dog). I leave you with a famous dog and my sincere wish for everyone…

Yes Joelle, There Is A Santa Claus!

In just a couple of days it’s Christmas Eve. At first I was going to post “10 Stocking Stuffers For Under 10 Dollars” but then I thought, “Why not share what Christmas means to me?” So here is my story.

As a child I remember how excited I would get anticipating Santa’s arrival. Normally a night person, I would go to bed early dreaming of the toys I would get. For me the most important thing about Christmas was the birth of Jesus, but toys came a very close second! I was definitely not one to wake up with a smile on my face and instead a person who loved to sleep in, but on Christmas Day I was up at 6am, ready to see what Santa brought me. I was never disappointed. I usually ended up going back to bed clutching a newly arrived Barbie.

So what’s so interesting about all of this? Probably the fact that I believed in Santa for longer than the usual kid. I believed in Santa and his magic until I was twelve years old! Yes you read that correctly – twelve. Or course part of me thought it he couldn’t be real, but I just wanted to believe so badly that it overrode any non-believing thoughts. I wanted to believe that there was someone out there that gave toys to all the good little boys and girls – and that the poor people would get presents and food that night. I wanted to believe that there was love, magic, and giving. Sad to say once I quit believing, the first Christmas was very sad for me. It seemed that the magic was gone.

Moving on to adulthood, I started seeing how people can be at Christmastime. So many people wait for the last minute to get gifts and are stressed out. Christmas is so not about that! I worked in retail for a few Christmases and I must admit that my Christmas spirit was at the lowest back then. People in such bad moods spending money they may not have. I was a part of that, trying to get presents for too many people and doing it last minute. I was miserable.

Then eventually I got married and still was stressed out with the gift giving. Finally my husband Tim and I realized that this is not what Christmas is about – spending money, trying to do everything, and being stressed out instead of happy. Together we made a “No Gifts” rule. We are not obligated to buy gifts – for anyone. All our friends/family are aware of this and if they want to still get us something, that’s their decision. We still give out cards, but most importantly we spend time with others and have fun instead.

Tim and I also started the tradition of buying for each other two chickens and a rooster (called “The Three Piece Chicken Dinner”) through Chalice. This charity will buy the chickens/roosters and give them to families in need. We also buy formula for a baby on behalf of my toddler James. There are lots of things you can buy and if you’re not sure they have an option to give money and they will spend it where they see a need. The reason we chose Chalice is because we are Catholic, we researched that their CEO is the least paid of all the charities, and they also have the highest rate of the actual money going to those who need it instead of going to their organization. You don’t have to be Catholic to help or appreciate those factors! We also sponsor a cute child named Carl from Chalice as well. 

The next thing that was a game changer for us was not to do as much during the holiday season. We say “no” to most invitations, preferring to have a small get together at our house. This year it was an ugly sweater party. We pick five must do things. This year it was:

1. Take a family photo in our matching jammies.
2. Get our family photo with Santa at the mall.
3. Have an ugly sweater party.
4. Walk down Candy Cane Lane.
5. Christmas Eve Dinner with Tim’s family.

With the combination of giving to those in need and doing way less, the magic has been brought back into Christmas for this gal! And yes, there actually is a Santa Claus – St. Nicolas. For more about him, check out Wikipedia, but here’s a short blurb from there: “Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas.” I still laugh about this meme of him:

And over the years I have started noticing how generous, kind and loving people are. I only try to focus on the good and as a result I see way more of it! I now say to myself, “Yes Joelle, there is a Santa Claus! He lives on through the good we continue to do.” From my family to yours, hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s love and special moments!

Tuesday's OOTW - Rock 'N Roll

This is officially the last OOTW for Fall 2016 as the first day of winter is tomorrow. Now that the weather has cooled off and I want to feel a wee bit dangerous, it’s time to throw on a moto jacket and a bad ass rock ‘n roll t-shirt. In my younger days I actually got to see Aerosmith in Vancouver. Whatta show! Nowadays I don’t get to many concerts anymore, but it’s nice to know if ever a moment should arrive I will have something to wear. And yes I still listen to Aerosmith.

Sunglasses: Joe Fresh (In Stores Now) // Jacket: Smart Set // Shirt: Walmart // Pants: Smart Set // Boots: Walmart

Monday's Meme

So have one, okay?

Friday's Faux Paw

 

Today’s faux paw is about wearing the correct bra. I saw a woman the other day who looked like she had a set of boobs on her back because her bra was way too tight and riding up causing back fat to ooze out underneath. Not an attractive look!

Here are tips to make sure you get the correct bra for your size:

1. Get a tape measure and put on the best bra that you have.
2. Measure your band size by putting the tape measure around the bottom of the bra. Write it down in inches.
3. Meaure your bust size by putting the tape around your breasts at the fullest point, which typically is where your nipples are. Write it down in inches.
4. Figure out the cup size by subtracting the band size from the bust size.If your bust size is less than 1 inch bigger than your band size, you’re a cup size AA, 1-inch difference = A, 2-inch difference = B,3-inch difference = C, 4-inch difference = D, 5-inch difference = DD.

Now go out and get the right bra. Or if you’re having difficulties, go and see a professional bra fitter. Otherwise I give this rating:

 

I Have A Christmas Party To Attend And I Don't Know What To Wear!!!

Yes it’s that time of year again when we shop for gifts, wrap them, bake, decorate the house, visit loved ones, eat surprising amounts of food, and get invited to Christmas parties. No ideas on what to wear? Then check out the following suggestions. (All prices in Canadian dollars.)

Sparkle

Why not try a sequined dress? My favourites are:

Guess Sequined Chevron Dress The Bay $70

Sequinned Dress H&M $70

If you’re not brave enough for that, then wear a little black dress with a sequin jacket over it. And if you’re really scared of the sparkle, then wear glittery accessories and shoes.

Vintage Inspired

 

If you’re on a budget like me, then maybe you’ll want to buy a dress that will stay in style year after year. Some suggestions are:Beaded Chiffon Polka Dot Dress Ricki’s $90 

Lace Mesh Ruched Dress Ricki’s $110

Go Long

 

For something different, why not try a long dress for your holiday event outings? Some beautiful options are:

Belted Maxi Dress H&M $70

Sparkle Knit Halter Gown Le Chateau $225

 

Lace

 

If you like being daring and romantic, wear a lace dress. Here are some options:

Sleeveless Lace Dress Reitmans $60

Lace Romance Dress Ricki’s $90

 

Trendy

 

If you’re more adventurous, then go for a trendy dress. Florals, off the shoulder, velvet, lace up, etc. Wear one of these and you’ll be fashion forward:

Cold Shoulder Dress Reitmans $46

Short Dress H&M $20

 

Wear A Jumpsuit!

 

Sometimes not wearing a dress is a great option! I picked up this awesome jumpsuit from Old Navy the other day on sale for $32!

Patterned Jumpsuit Old Navy $32

Mesh Long Sleeve Romper Dynamite $50

 

Hope that this helps everyone find their perfect holiday dress! What are you going to wear?

Tuesday's OOTW - On The Fringe

My Mom is pretty cool. She can basically do anything she sets her mind to. So one day, long before I was born she decided to make a fringed, leather vest and a matching purse. Well they turned out great! And now that they are back in style, I thought I’d showcase them both on my blog. (You can find the purse here.) I currently have my faux leather pants and denim shirt on repeat so I decided they should mingle with the vest. I think they hit it off rather well. What do you think? Please let me know in the comments below.

Hat: Thrifted // Sunglasses: Joe Fresh (In Stores Now) // Earrings: WALMART // Vest: Made By My Mom // Shirt: Reitmans // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: Ardene (In Stores Now)

Monday's Meme

Got your Christmas shopping done yet?

Friday's Faux Paw

With skinny jeans being in style for a long time, people want to know if it is okay to wear skinny jeans if you’re on the short side. While there is nothing wrong with wearing skinny jeans if you’re petite, it definitely doesn’t look good when people with larger hips wear them. Because skinny jeans taper at the ankle, they make the hips look bigger. If you already have large hips, they will be made way larger by wearing this style of jeans so those skinny jeans won’t be making you look skinny! And what woman wants their hips to look larger anyway? None that I know! For the larger hipped beauties, go for boot-cut jeans or even jeans with a bit of a flared cut. They will balance your body making your hips look smaller.

 

How To Save Money While Being Stylish

My family is a single income family, so when I go shopping I want to get the best deals while still looking fabulous. Over the years I have found a few ways of getting great deals on the stuff I want. I’ve decided that you should know too so here are some great ways to save money without sacrificing great style.

Buy Accessories Off Of eBay

If you have read some of my other posts, you will notice that many of my accessories are off of eBay. I always seem to find unique, inexpensive items which I love. A tip is to always look for free shipping. You can find this on many items. For those who are unsure, look for Buy It Now items which you can buy with just a few clicks. For those who are more adventurous like me, try your hand at an auction. This is where I scoop up items for way less such as this necklace for $5.69:

Shop Against The Season

When it’s fall all the summer clothes are drastically marked down so the store can make room for their fall stock – I mean up to 90% off the original price. This happens every season change. I get some really awesome deals such as this cute top for $10!

Subscribe To Store Emails

Like a particular store? Then subscribe to the store’s emails. That way you will be kept in the know of any sales.

Watch An Expensive Item In Hopes Of A Sale

We all have lusted after something that has been more than we are willing to spend. A way of making this dream a reality, is to watch it and wait for it to go on sale. If you have already subscribed to the store’s emails, then you will be ready to pounce when the time is right. I watched this floral Blazer from Ricki’s all season because I didn’t feel like paying $52 for it. And sure enough I snagged it for $10!

Wait For Trendy Items To Go On Sale

Certain trends won’t be in style forever ie. camouflage, floral pants, printed denim, and so forth. So when I know something’s a trend, I will spend less on it in order to spend more on a classic piece ie. a pencil skirt, white button down shirt, trench coat, etc. I got this faux fur vest for $15!

Shop Secondhand

Secondhand clothing has gone from having a bad rep to now being a great way to look unique and save a whole pile of money. While I have found some great deals at the Hope Mission Bargain Shoppe, Value Village, and Goodwill, I also have found awesome deals at consignment stores such as these never worn rainbow pumps for $30. Check your local area for secondhand stores.

Help A Friend

Help your friend clean out and organize her closet. Not only are you helping her out, you might be able to snag some clothes that she no longer wants!

Have A Clothing Swap

For a fun girl’s night in, why not host a clothing swap. Grab some wine or girly drinks and some munchies and get everyone to bring clothes they no longer want. Make sure to invite people that are the same sizes. If two people want a certain article of clothing, get each of them to try it on and have the rest of the ladies vote for who wears it best. The winner gets the item.

Take Clothes To Your Tailor For A Revamp

Sometimes if a piece of clothing was a bit different you would wear it. So if you want that long skirt made shorter or that blazer to have different buttons, get your butt to your tailor. Sometimes giving that piece of clothing a makeover will change it from unwearable into your favourite item.

Hope these suggestions will help you be frugal and fabulous! What are some things you do to save money on style?