Style Profile: Prairie Girl in the City

Name: Jennifer Pistor (fomerly Cunningham) 

PA note: That's right, this lady recently tied the knot. Head on over to her site, check out her amazing wedding shoes and give her a big Congrats!

Age: A lady never tells her age;-)

Occupation: General Manager and Assistant Buyer for a women's clothing boutique

Site: www.prairiegirlinthecity.com

Location: Vancouver, BC

When and why did you start your site?

I started my blog at the beginning of 2010.  I have been involved in the fashion industry for 20 years, so my own fashion and lifestyle blog was a natural progression for me. My boyfriend (now husband) is an IT Manager and plays a big role in the creation of my site.

How would you describe your site?

I consider it an accessible and relate-able fashion and lifestyle blog.  While I occasionally blog about couture, you are more likely to find an article about a local boutique, new label, or current fashion 

trends I'm loving.    

Where do you get your inspiration?  

A lot of inspiration comes from my day to day life.  People I meet, lines I preview, and the fashionable women in my life.  I totally admire people who take fashion risks and add individuality to their wardrobe. 

Who are your style/beauty icons?  

I love the easy elegance  of Audrey Hepburn and I love how Marilyn Monroe celebrated her curves.  Currently, I'm drawn to the polished casual looks of Rachel Bilson.  

Describe your personal style.  

Dressed up casual.  I wear a lot of dresses with sweaters and blouses with jeans.  Accessories are a must!  I wear a lot of neutral colors but give life to my outfits with stacks of bangles, layered necklaces, hats, and scarves.  I have an amazing closet ( it used to be an office).  There are areas in my closet dedicated to my accessories.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?  

If you're showing skin on the top keep the bottom covered and vice versa.  There is something to be said about understated sexiness. 

Where are your favourite places to shop?  

I purchase a bulk of my wardrobe from the stores I work for...The Urban Rack.  I love shopping local boutiques weather I'm in town or not.  Locally in Vancouver I enjoy Beauty Mark, Barefoot Contessa, Lynn Steven, Lords Shoes, and the list goes on.  On my recent trip to San Francisco I went to a couple of beautiful little shops....Meggie and Marmalade (both on Union Street) were a couple faves.

What are your favourite trends for this season?  I am a total sucker for chunky knits...or any knits for that matter.  Sweaters are my favourite thing about Fall.  I'm also loving all the high sexy boots and I think the faux fur trend is so chic. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?  

Leggings nor yoga pants are actual pants.  Leggings are hosiery and yoga pants....do I have to explain?

What do you never leave home without?  

Lip gloss!  I usually have 2 or 3 different ones with me at all times.  

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?  

A LBD, a pair of designer shoes, jeans that give good tush, Hanky Panky panties, and a trench coat.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?
I honestly don't know if I'll still be blogging in five years.  I hope my blog will open doors so I can continue to work in the fashion industry.  However if my site continues to grow I may have no choice but to continue blogging for my readers :-)

What's on your nightstand?  

A lamp, a vase, a stuffed toy owl, and my sleep mask.  

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself.    

I was an International Hair Model for 10 years.  I got to travel to places like New York, Las Vegas, Germany, and France.  

Learn more about this Prairie girl in the city by checking out her website, and join the always fashionable conversation on Twitter. 

All images courtesy of Prairie Girl in the City.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | PINTEREST

Style Profile: Miss Melissa

Meet Melissa. A Vancouver fashion blogger with a passion for life, style and vintage fashion. Her site, Miss Melissa, is a personal style blog of photos showcasing her awesome style. When she's not showcasing her fabulous use of colour, pattern and texture, she shares other events in her life with a few odd recipes thrown in for good fun.

Name: Melissa Knight

Age: 29

Occupation: Restaurant Manager and Shift Management Facilitator for McDonalds Restaurants

Site: http://miss-melissa.com

Location: Vancouver

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my blog in 2006 as an online diary that a few friends could read. When Facebook came along that seemed like an easy way to share way too much information with friends so my blog seemed unnecessary.  My blog started up again a few years ago after some encouragement from friends and last year it became a style blog. My blog has always just been a place where I can express myself and be creative. 

Where do you get your inspiration?  

Other blogs as well as magazines. I have gotten to know so many of Vancouver's style bloggers that they have become a huge source of inspiration for me.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

Olivia Palermo, The Olsen's, Rachel Bilson, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and Blair of Atlantic Pacific are just a few.

Describe your personal style. 

It's not really something I can define, but I do appreciate simple elegance.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given? 

To be confident no matter what I wear. And to keep my skin clean and moisturized!

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Zara, Piperlime.com, H&M and Club Monaco have been my go-to stores lately. I also love Deluxe Junk, a vintage shop in Vancouver.

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

I've never been huge on trends. This fall my closet is full of rich colors, luxurious fabrics, midi/maxi skirts, blazers and a few faux fur pieces. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

Tights worn as pants

What do you never leave home without? 

My cell phone - I hate to say that I feel lost without it.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own? 

The perfect pair of jeans, a LBD that makes her feel amazing, a pair of stunning heels that can be worn all night without pain, red lipstick and  a classic black blazer.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

I'm sure I should have some sort of aggressive plan with targets and graphs but as long as I can write and connect with readers I'll be happy.

What's on your nightstand? 

An alarm clock and a lamp. 

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself. 

I can stand on my head for an oddly long time. 

All images courtesy of Miss Melissa.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | PINTEREST

Style Profile: Le Mode du Jour

Nicole Soon is a girl with her finger on the pulse of all that is fashionable - from trends, to music, to architecture and all that lies between - she knows exactly what is Le Mode du Jour.

Name: Nicole Soon

Age: 27

Occupation: HR Administrative Support

Site: Le Mode du Jour

When and why did you start your site?

I started in August of 2009. I like blogging; it’s fun. I’ve also met a lot of great people through my blog, which is the best part of it all.

How would you describe your site?

Right now, my blog has transitioned from being a style blog to more of a personal blog. I still post outfits from time to time, but I also supplement my blog with posts on music that I’m listening to, my random thoughts, and my day-to-day life.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes it’s how a certain song makes me feel. Sometimes it’s the need for bright colours. Ironically, my best outfits are put-together when I’m in a rush and throw on random articles of clothing without a moment’s thought.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Describe your personal style.

I wear what I like, but usually my personal style depends on two things: 1) the weather, and 2) my mood.

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Less is more.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Online: ShopBop

In store: Zara, Club Monaco, Front & Company, OAK + FORT.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Suede desert boots a la Isabel Marant.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Poorly fitted clothing and girls who wear leggings as pants.

What do you never leave home without?

My iPhone and lip balm.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

A classic pair of pumps (in black and nude), a black blazer, a chambray shirt, a well-fitted pair of dark skinny jeans, a knitted infinity scarf, and lots of plain, over-sized t-shirts.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

I could still be blogging, but in five year’s time, a lot can happen, so I’ll have to wait and see ;)

Learn more about Nicole and Le Mode du Jour on these great social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook and show her blog some loving, on Bloglovin.

All images courtesy of Le Mode du Jour.

Style Profile: A Haute Mess

If you haven't yet discovered A Haute Mess than you don't know what you're missing. The brainchild of Niki Blasina, A Haute Mess is a fashion blog and personal style journal with a sarcastic and hilarious tone. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, DIY projects and the most fabulous places in Vancouver (and sometimes New York), you'll laugh - and you'll laugh a lot! She inspired me to start my blog, so let's find out what inspires her. Meet Niki...

Name: Niki Blasina

Age: 26

Occupation: Creator/Writer of A Haute Mess, contributor to MTV FORA, and The Huffington Post Canada.

Site: http://www.ahautemess.ca

When and why did you start your site? 

I started my blog in late ’09 because a good friend told me that he thought I should. And so I did. And it was a great idea because it’s actually changed my life and given me so many amazing opportunities that I would never have otherwise.

How would you describe your site? 

Fashion! Fun! Style! And stuff. I would say it’s a fashion blog and personal style diary with a good dose of sarcasm and humor.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Anywhere and everywhere! I find style inspiration everywhere, from the streets to the runways and from blogs to my favourite fashion magazines. Lots of times though my style is inspired by my mood and what I’m comfortable in at the time.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Hugh Hefner. I love me a good loafer and I would wear a bathrobe all day too if I could. 

(PA Note: Read all about her love of loafers here)

Describe your personal style. 

Shameless (I don’t care if people think I look crazy), comfortable (excluding footwear, of course) and fun!

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Just do it! (Thank you, Nike). Have fun and take risks: wear whatever you want and try whatever beauty trends you want! Hair grows, make-up comes off and you can always untag yourself on Facebook.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I’m a big online shopper – I love shopbop.com and ASOS.com. I also love vintage and thrift shopping.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Polka dots! I’m clearly loving it a little too much: http://fora.mtv.ca/2011/09/a-haute-mess-x-nyfw-the-end/

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Leggings as pants. (PA note: Amen!) I’ve been saying this for years and it pains me that I still have to remind people that they’re not. It just doesn’t look good: you can have the most bangin’ of bods but it’s still unflattering and vulgar.

What do you never leave home without? 

My iPhone. What if I meet someone who needs me to obnoxiously scroll through my camera roll and show them pictures of my dog eating, sleeping or wearing a trenchcoat? I can’t risk it.

What are the five essential items that you think every woman should own?

1.     Badass shoes. Because if you’re feeling sartorially unenthusiastic or challenged, you can throw on a plain black dress, or jeans and a tee and your shoes will kick your outfit up a notch, no prob.

2.     Cute flats (for when you just can’t take those badass shoes).

3.     A go-to black dress. Cliché, yes. Essential, also.

4.     “Statement” jewelry. I love big, bold, costumey pieces that can instantly pull a look together.

5.     A tailor. Clothing that fits well always looks good (duhhh) and people come in all shapes in sizes. Find a tailor that you trust with your favourite pieces and if you fall in love with a garment but it doesn’t fit perfectly, I always say size up and have it taken in to fit.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

Lounging in Chanel SS16 in the Hampton’s with my gold Speedo-clad poolboy serving me Dom. Just kidding. I really don’t know where I’ll be in five years and what I’ll be doing, but here’s hoping it’s something good.

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself.

I’m a secret frat boy. I can beer pong and flip cup the s**t out of anyone.

A Haute Mess is everywhere, so you'd be insane not to follow her adventures: on Facebook, Twitter, and on BlogLovin'.

All images courtesy of A Haute Mess.

Style Profile: StyleStruck

This week, in honour of my being on holidays at home in B.C., it's five consecutive days of style profiles featuring some of Vancouver's most fashionable and influential bloggers.

In the final instalment we talk fashion with Olivia of StyleStruck. A fixture on the Vancouver fashion scene, any night of the week you can find Olivia strutting her stuff at one (or more) of the city's most stylish events. Here, she sits down with Petite Adventures and gives us the lowdown on being StyleStruck.

Name: Olivia Jane Lovenmark

Age: 23

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Fashion Blogger

Site: http://www.stylestruck.ca/

When and why did you start your site?

I started blogging in 2009 because I wanted to give myself a reason to stay connected to the fashion industry when I wasn't involved. It's proven to be one of the best thing I've ever done.

How would you describe your site? 

StyleStruck.ca is a site that offers my take on style and life. I love to write and my blog offers up a great platform for sharing my thoughts and ideas. On StyleStruck you'll find a good dose of preppy style mixed in with feminine pieces and some fantastic shoes!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Vogue makes for some brilliant photos, I am very much inspired by the style of photographs in the magazine. I can't say that I'm particularly inspired by any one source, though I do take bits of styling ideas from various fashion bloggers.

Who are your style/beauty icons? 

I adore everything about Natalia Vodianova, the casual styling of Hanneli Mustaparta and the clean femininity Diane Kruger and Camilla Belle. And Camilla Belle has killer eye brows. 

Describe your personal style. 

What was the best style/beauty advice you were given? 

I can't say that I've ever been given any one piece of stand-out advice, my mother always said to take care of my skin because it tells your age, so I try to stay out of the sun and moisturize. I think a good piece of advice for women is to balance their look with dressing for a women and dressing for a man. I understand the love for The Man Repeller and all that goes with that, but I think a woman should look somewhat soft and feminine, like a woman. If you have a piece that is clearly out of The Man Repeller's closet, just pair it with a fitted, silhouette-conscious piece and boom! You've got an outfit for both men and women.

Where are your favourite places to shop? 

Zara, Brooks Brothers, Rag & Bone and Tara Jarmon. Unfortunately those stores are somewhat displaced around the world. 

What are your favourite trends for this season? 

Seventies style flared denim, bright colours for Fall and fur-trim. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve? 

Leggings as pants, yoga pants as pants, wide-brimmed floppy hats, socks with high-heeled sandals, flared denim that is too short and a lot of cleavage. *Shudder*

What do you never leave home without? 

My MAC pressed powder, my iPad and my pink leather scheduler. 

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own? 

A casually chic grey pullover sweatshirt style sweater, aviators, a red wool coat, nude heels and a subtle, nude-ish lipstick - it goes with everything and balances out a dramatic eye.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years? 

Writing a book and perhaps hosting a TV show. Not joking! Those are my ambitions; besides, we need a new Oprah ;)

I'd say preppy, feminine and somewhat adventurous. I do like trying new things, but within reason. I'd rather style up an outfit with subtle details (like piling on multiple watches), than adding a bigger piece for differentiation, like a floppy hat (which neeed to be over.)

Learn more about Olivia by visiting StyleStruck.ca and don't miss her newest venture, LOVE + MARK'D her first (and very cute) stationary line.

All images courtesy of StyleStruck.

Style Profile: Solo Lisa

This week, in honour of my being on holidays at home in B.C., it's five consecutive days of style profiles featuring some of Vancouver's most fashionable and influential bloggers.

Today, in the BC Style Profile series, we talk fashion with Solo Lisa. An idea borne of procrastination, Solo Lisa is your one stop shop for everything fashion, beauty, books and more. She tackles the tough subjects, like spa treatments and travel reviews, and all that lies between.

Name: Lisa

Age: 26

Occupation: Technical writer, blogger, freelance fashion writer

Site: http://sololisa.com/

When and why did you start your site?

I started my site in 2007. At the time, I was a university student in the final year of my Bachelor's degree, procrastinating by reading fashion blogs when I should've been writing term papers. After a while, I thought it'd be fun to start my own.

How would you describe your site?

It's a mix of everything I'm interested in at any given moment. I write about fashion mostly, but I also have outfit posts, recipes and travel posts. I review beauty products, spa treatments and books too.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere! Daily life, blogs, websites, magazines, books, film, TV shows.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

They're a mix of real-life people and imaginary characters. For celebrities, it would have to be Audrey Hepburn and Zooey Deschanel. For fictional personas, I love the preppy girly style of Rory Gilmore from the TV show Gilmore Girls, Anne Hathaway's character post-makeover in The Devil Wears Prada, and Cher Horowitz in Clueless.

Describe your personal style?

I prefer classic, feminine pieces with a fresh twist.

What was the best style/beauty advice you've been given?

I can't recall a single piece of style/beauty advice, but as I wrote in my article for the June 2011 issue of Flare, my mother's classic taste proved to be a huge influence.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I wish I could rattle off a list of super expensive places for this question! In reality, most of my wardrobe comes from places like Banana Republic, H&M, Zara, Joe Fresh and Anthropologie. Online I peruse Shopbop a lot; I'm lucky to have them as a sponsor. Locally, in Vancouver, I love the Cici line at the Two of Hearts Boutique and the in-house designs at (212) Boutique.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Lace, the colour blue, polka dots, and the various references to the 1960s, whether it's Banana Republic's MadMen collection or brightly coloured swing jackets and mod shift dresses.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

Too much makeup/bronzer/self-tanner. I also get annoyed when it seems like a girl is a slave to trends without considering what looks best and suits her personality.

What do you never leave home without?

Cell phone, keys, blotting papers, credit card, ID and lip balm or lipstick.

What are the five essential items that every woman should own?

A trench, a striped shirt, a pair of skinny dark wash blue jeans, ballet flats, and a ladylike purse with a chain strap.

Check out Solo Lisa for fashion and anything else that catches her fancy, and join the conversation on twitter.

Tomorrow, as I wrap up my west coast vacay, so does the Style Profile series. But, not before we talk trends and everything in between with StyleStruck.

All images courtesy of Solo Lisa.

Style Profile: The Anthology

This week, in honour of my being on holidays at home in B.C., it's five consecutive days of style profiles featuring some of Vancouver's most fashionable and influential bloggers.

Today's style profile is Kelsey Dundon, writer and editor of the Anthology. Blogging for more than two years, Kelsey has never met a vintage piece she didn't like - or at least wouldn't like post-tailoring. With an eye for style and knack for transforming the oddest of garments, Kelsey maintains a site that is fashionable, fun and most certainly inspiring - but what more could you expect from a former Weird Al back-up dancer.

Name: Kelsey Dundon

Occupation: Writer and Editori

Site: http://theanthology.ca/

When and why did you start your blog?

I started The Anthology two years ago because I was (and still am) very inspired by other blogs and I wanted to add my own voice to the mix.

How would you describe your site?

Style and lifestyle. I hope readers find The Anthology fun and inspiring.

Where do you get your inspiration?

All around me. I get inspired by so many things sometimes it's exhausting.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Audrey Hepburn and Iris Apfel

Describe your personal style.

Very eclectic, some might say random.

What was the best style/beauty advice you've been given?

A girlfriend once said of out-there outfits: "You've just got to rock them." I've taken that to heart.

Where are you favourite places to shop?

Vintage stores when I'm in Vancouver and artisan markets when I'm traveling.

What are your favourite trends this season?

Right now I love 1970s-inspired long skirts and tall boots.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

Fake nails. I could never type in them!

What do you never leave home without?

Lip gloss and a camera.

What are the five essential items that every woman should own?

A great jacket, loads of accessories, a good book, walk-anywhere boots and bold heels.

Where do you see yourself and the Anthology in five years?

Somewhere very exciting, I hope!

Follow Kelsey and her adventures in fashion and beyond on the Anthology, and join the fashionable conversation on twitter.

Tomorrow, it's the fourth post in the BC Style Profile series, we talk fashion with Solo Lisa.

All images courtesy of The Anthology.

Style Profile: To Vogue or Bust

This week, in honour of my being on holidays at home in B.C., it's five consecutive days of style profiles featuring some of Vancouver's most fashionable and influential bloggers.

Today we continue our western adventure as we catch up with Vancouver fashion blogger Alexandra Grant. This one-time aspiring lawyer decided to forgo convention, security and safety, and followed her dreams of becoming a freelance fashion and music journalist and going to Vogue or Bust.

Name: Alexandra Grant

Age: 24

Occupation: Account Coordinator, Freelance Writer, Student, and Blogger

Blog: http://www.tovogueorbust.com/

When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog on April 13, 2011. I started my blog to reaffirm and recommit to the two things that I've always loved: fashion and writing. I'd spent the year leading up to the creation of my blog applying to law school and making sure I had a "secure" career path in the future, and yet the whole time I had this horrible anxiety and hated myself for not doing what I loved. I finally had enough of it and decided that despite the fact that becoming a fashion journalist isn't exactly the easiest or most clear-cut path, it is the path that will make me happiest. So far, it's been amazing, rewarding, and I've become a much happier person because of it.

How would you describe To Vogue or Bust?

A mix of my personal styling and whatever happens to inspire me. It's really as simple as that - no formula or notion that I have to do X number of posts per week. The one thing that's pretty consistent about my site is that I tend to gravitate towards beautiful colours and feminine styling, so I'd say that's the defining factor.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere, but a lot of my inspiration tends to come from music and the people behind it. Being a writer, I love a good story, and musicians and artists and the lives they lead tend to be the greatest stories in my eyes. Francoise Hardy, Marc Bolan, Lou Reed, Serge Gainsbourg... lots of my favourite musicians and bands inspire everything else (fashion, literature, etc.) I am a freelance music journalist as well as a fashion writer, so music is definitely one of my biggest passions!

Who are your style/beauty icons?

As mentioned above, Francoise Hardy is a huge style icon. I think she's what a woman should be: fresh-faced, yet sophisticated, natural yet chic. I also love Hanneli Mustaparta, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Viviana Volpicella, Audrey Hepburn (of course... what girl isn't obsessed with her?!), Brigitte Bardot... the list goes on and on. I love Charlotte Casiraghi for her style too, but especially for her beauty - I'm a big believer that makeup should always be natural, and that girl is so stunning and usually bare-faced.

Describe your personal style.

My good friend Cee of Coco and Vera once said it was "modern classicism" or something like that, but really, that's the closest I've ever gotten to defining it. I'd definitely say that I tend to gravitate towards more feminine looks, yet I tend to look for pieces that have strength in them. Eclectic, feminine, and yes, classic with a modern twist, as Cee says.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

H&M, Zara, and Club Monaco in terms of chain stores, and basically all the boutiques in Gastown when I want local or harder-to-find labels.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

I absolutely love 70's styling so I'm excited to see the return or that. To simplify things though, in terms of trends that I love, you can just watch the whole Prada show for their F/W 2011 collection and every single on of those styles is a dream to me.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

I hate an ugly handbag. It's better to save your money and buy a beautiful, one-of-a-kind vintage leather bag from Value Village then to shell out money for some shiny vinyl monstrosity.

What do you never leave home without?

Nivea tinted lip balm in the strawberry flavour, my iPhone, my camera.

What are the five essential items that every woman should own?

A good moisturizer, a well-made handbag, ballet flats, red lipstick, a pretty dress in a solid colour.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

I've been planning to move to New York for a couple of years now, and I hope I'm able to save up and make the move by then. I hope to be further along with my career and still blogging regularly!

Random facts about To Vogue of Bust

I have some of the weirdest phobias - I have a fear of falling down stairs, of having someone walk close behind me as I walk up stairs, I can't touch cotton balls... the list goes on and on!

To learn more about To Vogue or Bust visit her blog or follow along on Twitter.

In tomorrow's BC Style Profile, we talk fashion with The Anthology.

All images courtesy of To Vogue or Bust.