Get the Look for Less

Check out my guest post on the Beauty Crazed in Canada site HERE. It's all about how to get the celebrity look for less (Canadian Style of course) with one of my fave celebs, Reese Witherspoon.

Designer Handbag & Jewelry Rentals

Have you ever bought an expensive and trendy designer handbag, only to have it end up sitting in your closet because you got bored of it? Well, no more! Now you can enjoy all the designer handbags you want for far less thanks to an awesome new company I recently discovered called Bling Borrowers - a company with the largest selection of designer handbags, jewelry, and accessories for rent in Canada.

Bling Borrowers was created in Calgary, Alberta by two sisters who had a weakness for designer goods, but also liked saving money too!  They were finding that once they invested in a designer item though, they would either...

1) use the item a few times, then it would sit in the closet collecting dust (that’s an expensive dust bunny!)

2) use the item every day (to get their money's worth!) until it got old and it was not so chic and fashionable anymore

So, the sisters figured there had to be a better way!  Why not pay for only what you use?  And so, Bling Borrowers was born! 

Brigitte Shine Large - Badgley Mischka

For the price of one expensive designer handbag, you could rent something different each month for the same price!  That's like getting 12 handbags (one rental per month) for the price of buying 1! From Coach to Chanel, Michael Kors to Louis Vuitton - they have a designer for every budget and personal style.

How cool is that?! 

So cool that I picked my own bag to try out for the month...what do you think?

Braided Grommet Shoulder Tote - Michael Kors

Okay, let's get to it then - you didn't think I was just going to just tell you about Bling Borrowers and brag about my new bag without offering you something , right? Of course not! So, here's the deal...

Bling Borrowers is offering all my Practical Fashionista blog followers and Facebook fans (in Canada only) 50% off any  posted monthly or seasonal rental. All you have to do is call 1-888-57-BLING (25464) or email customerservice@blingborrowers.com and mention "Practical Fashionista" to redeem.


Now for the fine print - This offer is available only to Canadian residents, and is only good until December 31st, 2011. There are wait lists for some of the bags, so don't delay if you think you want to get in on this offer!

Get The Look - Fall Beauty Trends for 2011

You can't talk fashion without chatting about beauty once in a while, right? So, today's guest post is from one of my fave Canadian beauty experts!

When it comes to Fall beauty trends, who better to ask then my friend Lisamarie at Beauty Crazed. Not only is she beauty crazed but also product obsessed - which means she can give us great suggestions on what to use to get the season’s hottest looks!

1) Complexion Perfection – Not that perfect skin is ever out but this Fall matte skin is out and skin that seems to glow from within is in. You can get the glowy look from a illuminator but the best way to get it is with a foundation that lets your own skin’s glow shine through!

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau ($62 - Murale ); The Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals ($25 – www.thebodyshop.ca); Maybelline FIT ME ($10.49 – Shoppers Drug Mart)

2) Strong Brows - They can be hard for some of us to achieve, especially if you were too liberal with your tweezer use during skinny brow trends. If you need some help with that just remember that any product that is good for growing lashes can also be used on the brows!

It Cosmetics Brow Power ($24 - www.theshoppingchannel.com); RapidLash ($49.95); Smashbox Brow Tech ($30 – Shoppers Drug Mart)

3) Red Lips – Matte, satin, glossy, whatever your poison, you’re going to see it on lips this season!

 

Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival ($9.99 - Walmart); Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain in Garconne ($50 - Sephora); Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Triomphal ($40 – Holt Renfrew)

4) Metallic Nails – From subtle to downright sparkly, this is a trend that everyone can find a product to make work for them!

Dior Vernis in Tuxedo ($26 - Sephora); Quo by Orly in Mystic Night ($10 – Shoppers Drug Mart); OPI DS in Temptation ($15.95 – Trade Secrets)

5) Smoky Eyes have come a long way to the panda look-alikes that they used to portray. Colour makes them fresh and new and blue is my pick for a fresh and sexy look!

Dior 3 Couleurs Smoky Eyes Palette ($49 – The Bay); Lancome Ombre Absolue Palette Quad ($54 - Sephora); Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Eye Smokifier ($9.99 - www.avon.ca)

Dressing your Hourglass Shape

When you are a curvy hourglass girl, it means you have a fuller bust and bottom that contrasts with a smaller waist. Which means women of every size fit into this category - you can be small and curvy, fuller figured and curvy, or somewhere in between.

So, if you are blessed with this ultra feminine shape, there are some tips you should follow when dressing your body to make sure you make the most of it (and not look bigger) and at the same time, don't end up looking overtly sexy (both of which are easy to do with your specific body shape).

1) Dress YOUR body. I know it's hard when we see others wearing a certain style that looks great on them, and you want to wear the same thing - but if you are more Jessica Simpson than Cameron Diaz, wearing a boxy and chunky sweater with a pair of skinny jeans and a pair of flats isn't going to do your figure any justice. If you want to do the skinny jean thing, pair them with a thinner knit sweater, belt it to show off your waist, and add a cute pair of wedge heels or boots.

2) You have a waist, so flaunt it! Wherever you are the narrowest, you need to show it off. That means you may have to skip trends like peasant blouses, empire line tops and dreses, and anything overly bulky or chunky.

3) Lastly, just because I want you to dress to flatter your shape, doesn't mean you need to flaunt it. You have a naturally sexy shape, so it's very easy for your shape to go from sexy to sleazy very quickly. Remember, it's best to show off only one sexy feature at a time, and leave the rest to the imagination.

Style Tips While Trying To Lose Weight

As a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, I often hear women talk about waiting to get a new wardrobe or dressing well until they've "lost the weight". I can't stress enough though how important it is to look your best while trying to lose weight - it helps encourage you on your weight loss journey, and increases your chances for success. 

I understand though, you may not want to spend a ton of cash on new clothes when you plan on losing weight in the near future - but you still need to feel great in the meantime. Here are some of my top tips...

1)  Make a style statement with a fun new belt. Plus, it will help show off you newly forming shape! And chance are, unless you are looking to lose a really significant amount of weight, the belt can still be used once you've lost the weight. If not, you can easily get additional holes put it in.

2) Pick up some funky new accessories. There is so much out there now that is not only super affordable, but fashion forward as well. Going for something like a new scarf in a great colour for you, or a new statement necklace or earrings will not only bring the focus up to your face (great if you are feeling self conscious about your figure), but also can make your entire outfit feel brand new.

3) Invest in alterations along the way - a much more affordable alternative to buying new pieces every month.

4) Until you've reached your ultimate goal - shop sales, consignment stores, and thrift shops to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

How to do the Layered Knit Trend

Click HERE to read a great article I found online about how to wear the Layered Knit Trend for Fall 2011 - no matter what body type you have.

Savvy Shoe Shopping

No matter your size or body shape, chances are you can always find a shoe that you love! And for the most part, the majority of women have more than enough pairs - but always want more. Here, some of my savvy shoe tips...

1) If they are super embellished, very trendy, or an eye popping colour or print - you will be limited to what you can wear them with. So, for "fun" shoes like these, make sure they are affordable. Chances are, you will most likely get bored with them fast too.

2) When it comes to heels for the office, it's okay to ditch the basic black. A tan or nude heel is just as versatile, and when paired with skirts, will make your legs look longer.

3) When it comes to a classic "go to" pair that you will wear with everything from jeans to suits...it pays to pay for quality. When you are wearing a pair day in and day out, you need them to last for a while.

Shoe Clips from The Headband Shoppe

4) Lastly, if you want to try something fun and get more mileage from each pair of shoes - a fun and funky pair of shoe clips are a great choice for changing up your look without having to splurge on a new pair of shoes. From flats to heels, they can give your shoe and your entire outfit the fashion update you are looking for - without breaking the bank. Check out some of my faves HERE.

Tribal Trend

Isabel Marant Fall 2011 Collection

It was all over the runways as one of the hottest trends for Fall 2011, but are you wondering how to make the Navajo South-Western trend work for you? Here are some ideas...

Pair a tribal print tunic with leggings and cute flats.

A fun tribal tank with bright jeans (a big trend for Fall 2011 too!), a soft suede jacket and lace up booties (another Fall 2011 staple).

For a casual weekend look, a cozy tribal vest with a long sleeve T, wide leg jeans and lace up wedge booties (both very popular this season).

My fave look! A western inspired cardigan over a white tank, paired with a cute jean skirt, coloured tights, and fringe boots.

And when in doubt, just add  a tribal inspired accessory like a fringe purse, necklace, scarf, or belt.

What I Wore Wednesday

It is so chilly here this morning, so it feels strange posting this weeks Wardrobe Wednesday post because it was a much nicer day last week when I wore it, but here goes! I had these pics taken to update my Practical Fashionista profile pics. I had to get them done since my old pics (I felt) no longer looked like me. Plus, it was the perfect opportunity to wear this dress I bought at the beginning of the Summer, and still hadn't worn - though I love it so much! I love the colours, the ruffle details, and the way it fits my body perfectly. It feels like it perfectly speaks to who I am and my personal style...fun and feminine. Do you have a piece of clothing that speaks to who you are? I'd love to hear about it!

Dress - Marshalls

Shoes - Winners

Handbag - The Bay, Ring - Thrift Shop

Fall for Rockin' Frocks

I was recently interviewed by Vaughan Today about some of my top fall Fashion Tips. Check it out HERE, then print it out and use as your personal cheat sheet when shopping! Enjoy...

White After Labour Day

So, today is a bit of a two part post. First, I missed my What I Wore Wednesday post this week, so here it is now - an outfit I recently wore on a casual 'date night' night with my guy.

Top - Marshalls, Pants - Old Navy (few years ago) , Belt - Thrift Store

Ring - Stella & Dot

Shoes - Shoe Company (few years ago)

I wasn't going to actually post these pics because I wasn't crazy about the quality of them, but they are perfect for what I want to talk about today - wearing white after Labour day. Yes, I wore this AFTER Labour day! Shocking, I know.

Seriously, do people really still subscribe to this outdated fashion 'rule'? As an Image Consultant, I can tell you that yes, they sure do! Can we set the record straight now though?

Yes, it IS okay to wear white after Labour day - as long as it is seasonally appropriate.

Looking for some ideas to look "White Hot" this Fall and Winter? Here's some inspiration...

Kardashian Kollection at Sears

Famous for being famous, the Kardashian sisters are now making a name for themselves in the Fashion world. The Kardashian Kollection is now available at Sears and features pieces inspired by the red carpet, boho chic fashion, and rocker styles. 

And it's not just clothing...there are handbags, jewellery, shoes, and tons of other accessories! There's even lingerie!

So, what do you think? Check out more pieces in the KK HERE. Would you wear it???

Back to School Style - For Grown Ups

Okay, so all of the kids have their back to school clothes by now, but what about the grown ups?  It's about time for you to start thinking about what to add to your Fall 2011 Wardrobe isn't it? So, what are you going to get?

If you're looking for some inspiration and some ideas, I have a few of my top Fall 2011 Fashion picks here today. Check them out below...

Menswear Inspired Footwear

Brightly Coloured Pants & Jeans

Capes for Coats

Crazy Hot Contest!!!

Okay, so I have been promising a contest, and here it is!

Those of you who read my blog regularly (or know me personally) know I love vintage clothing and mixing those pieces with current styles to create fun and unique looks! I am obviously not the only one doing this though, as the trend towards shopping vintage just keeps growing. And today, I want to introduce you to one of my fave online vintage clothing shops who also happen to be sponsoring today's Practical Fashionista Giveaway.

Crazy Hot Clothes is an online shop that provides vintage clothing for the modern woman - offering affordable prices, along with world wide FREE shipping on any item ALL the time!  Isn't that awesome - FREE shipping worldwide!?

So, about the contest...

CHC is giving away one $25 gift card to one lucky Practical Fashionista fan. Use it in their online shop towards whatever you are craving this season. Maybe a new dress? Coat? Necklace? Shoes? Handbag? The possibilities are endless. And don't forget, there is FREE worldwide shipping on everything!

Antique 1950's Rainbow Clutch

So, how to get your little vintage shopping paws on this $25 gift card?

Simple.

All you have to do is leave a comment here on the Practical Fashionista Blog underneath one of your favourite posts telling me why you liked it so much. Maybe the post gave you inspiration to try something new, helped you dress your body shape,  encouraged you to make better shopping choices, etc. Just so you know, you will get an entry for every comment you leave, so leave as many as you like to increase your odds.

Contest ends 12 noon ET on September 9th, 2011. Winner will be chosen at random and announced right here on the blog. Good luck!

Garanimals for Grown Ups - The Wardrobe Capsule

Remember Garanimals? It was (and still is) the popular line of clothing for kids that was founded on a simple concept: to help parents and children coordinate outfits easily. Each animal represents a line within the collection, which consists of mix and match separates, whose color and style coordinate with any piece within that same animal line.  

Well, that is the exact same principle behind Wardrobe Capsules. Yes, they take a bit of work to create in the first place, but once you have one, it makes dressing so much easier.

The idea is to plan your capsule around two or three neutrals and a couple of accent shades which allows you to mix 'n' match with ease, maximizing the amount of outfits you can create with fewer items. For example, you can use just 7 different pieces to create 16 different looks - check out my sample below.

Each of the four tops above can be worn with the two bottom pieces to create 8 different looks. Wear each of those 8 outfits with or without the cardigan, and you now have 16 different looks. See how easy it is!?

Using Wardrobe Capsules makes packing for vacations so much easier, and is a great tool to use at the beginning of a new fashion season to get the most bang for your buck.

* If you live in the GTA and would like help from the Practical Fashionista to create your own Wardrobe Capsule(s), visit the Practical Fashionista site HERE to find out more.