An Ode to Red

Happy Holidays!

For the next few days while I'm at home in Victoria enjoying snuggles with the two most stubborn but wonderful dogs in the world, I thought it would be fun and festive to wrap up the year by showcasing some of my favourite looks from the past 12 months.

Given the season, I thought there was no better place to start than by sharing a few of my favourite red looks.

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Style Profile: Centre Street Style

Name:  Mikki Fox

Age:  29

Occupation:  Blogger/ Freelance Fashion Entrepreneur/ Makeup Artist

Site:  Centre Street Style

Location:  Calgary, Alberta

When and why did you start your site?  

July 1^st 2012.  I started Centre Street Style as a creative outlet when I moved to Calgary.

How would you describe your site?  

My site is a lifestyle blog that covers fashion, entertaining, recipes and makeup.   

Where do you get your inspiration?  

I get my inspiration from numerous sources.  Travel, fashion archives, interior design, other blogs, art, the list could go on forever.

Who are your style/beauty icons?  

Designer icon is Christian Dior and the “New Look’.  Style icon, cliché as it is, would be Audrey Hepburn tied with Grace Kelly.  I love the classic femininity they exuded, and how put together they were.  Viewing images of these two ladies consistently results in something fabulous.   

Describe your personal style.  

My personal style is always evolving and changing and how I dress is usually based on my mood that day.  I always come back to a classic and feminine approach though.    

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

Always wash your face before going to bed.  And apply sunscreen everyday you’re in the sun, especially as you get older.   

Where are your favourite places to shop?

In Calgary I love shopping at local boutique, Coco + Violet.    

What are your favourite trends for this season?  

My favorite trends for this season are fur vests and studded anything. 

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?  

When women squish themselves into a size that’s too small.  Muffin tops don’t look good on anyone.

What do you never leave home without? 

Cell phone, wallet and lip gloss. 

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

A great concealor to hide those late nights out, a fabulous little black dress, a properly fitted blazer that shows you mean business, a leather jacket that you will have forever, and an exquisite pair of shoes.   

       

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

In five years I see my site maintaining the same or heightened level of quality with creative partnerships and more editorial style content.  For myself, in five years I hope for health and happiness and personal and professional satisfaction. 

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself.  

I grew up playing ice hockey, something that I do to this day.  It taught me about teamwork, hard work, winning and losing.  It was, and still is, a great outlet for stress and frustration.  

You can find Mikki on Twitter at Twitter at @centreststyle and on the web at www.centrestreetstyle.com.

Would you or someone you know like to be featured in a Style Profile? Send an email to petiteadventures@gmail.com.

All images courtesy of Centre Street Style.

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Same Great Dress, Subtle New Look

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Cotton Candy from Barefoot Contessa;
Booties - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

In my day-to-day work life I tend to wear a lot of dresses. They're easy; one piece, add some shoes and your're ready to go. But, this ease doesn't mean it's easy to mix it up. It actually means the opposite. With one piece, there are only so many ways you can wear it.

But, I was up for the challenge.

I took one of my favourite dresses and decided to pair it with all brown accessories to bring out the brown tones, and give it a subtle change.

Same great dress, subtle new look!

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The Weather Outside is Frightful

Blouse - Jacob; Skirt - Zara; Boots - Steve Madden

The weather outside has been frightful these last few days: freezing rain, wind, snow; so I've decided to boycott what Mother Nature's been throwing at us by wearing a particularly unseasonable ensemble.

By throwing on a tropical print and vibrant colours, I'm hoping I can ward off winter for just a little bit longer.

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An Industry Event

 

Blouse & Skirt - Jacob; Tights - Sentiments from Zellers;
Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I'm not going to lie to you; I'm already in holiday-mode. With a mere 15 hours of work left (16 if you count lunch) before I jet off to the west coast, my brain is essentially mush. All I can think about is how close I am to vacation-time. So, you'll excuse me if this post lacks: a) creativity, b) humour, and c) a clever title.

I wore this look to an industry event last week. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to debut my new peplum lace blouse from Jacob. And I was right! An evening of cocktails and communications was the perfect time at which to wear this chic piece.

The only problem was that my name tag didn't really go with this look. Oh well; introducing myself verbally wasn't the worst way to spend the evening.


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It's Tradition!

Sweater - Old Navy; Vest - Forever 21; Belt - Joe Fresh;
Jeans - Mavi; Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

Just like last year, I decided that what our office holiday party needed was a dose of yeti-chic. So, I brought out the faux-fur vest, which hasn't seen any action since this time last year.

This faux-fur vest is the definition of man repelling: every woman in my office loves it and compliments it; the men ask what shag carpet I used to make it. Even with my healthy sense of humour (I tell them it's muppet) comments like that do cause a small rush of embarrassment. No one wants to walk around feeling like they look ridiculous. But, in keeping with my 2012 New Year's resolution of not being afraid to stand out, instead of letting it bring me down I thought of the wise words of Shannon Fitzgerald (courtesy of Aya McMillan's piece "Mind Over Mode" in December's FLARE Magazine): "Why should I let somebody else's opinion detract from how good I felt when I left the house? Even with something as seemingly innocuous as clothes, it makes me feel confident out in the world and, I believe, attracts better things that are truly in alignment with who I am."

So, I wore my vest with pride all day Friday as I enjoyed lunch and laughs with colleagues and toasted the holiday season. Because nothing says the holidays more than being yeti-chic.

Happy Monday!

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Style Profile: With Love Gabrielle

Name: Marta Tryshak

Age: 24

Occupation: Creator of WithLoveGabrielle.com – and Manager of Social Media for Garage Clothing

Site: www.WithLoveGabrielle.com

Location: Toronto / Montreal

When and why did you start your site?

I started WithLoveGabrielle.com more than four years ago while attending University of Toronto. I am a creative person, and the website was a way to share my creative thoughts on my personal interests – arts and fashion.

How would you describe your site? 

The motto for my website is “Where Fabulous Meets Every Day”

Where do you get your inspiration?

“Gabrielle” in the name of my website is an homage to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, who is my ultimate style icon. On a daily basis, my inspirations are always changing, so much to do with the people I am meeting, cultural and social events, etc.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Chanel of course, and then I am also quite fond of Marc Jacobs.

Describe your personal style.

Classic. I definitely enjoy dressing up, so people are for more likely to see me wearing heels than sneakers.

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

Be true to your personal style. I have to say thanks here to my mother Oksana, she is an amazing person and has taught me so much about being a woman!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

In Toronto, my favorite shopping centre is Sherway Gardens. I have been fortunate to travel a lot, and New York, Los Angeles, and Miami Beach are all high on my list of shopping destinations.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Flirty bows on everything, including my newest purse from Kate Spade that I just got today (so happy!)

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Rain boots... I can’t stand seeing women wear them as if they are stylish.

What do you never leave home without?

My wallet J In terms of style & beauty, I always make time to do my make up properly. In terms of clothing, nothing is that critical.

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

Little Black Dress of course, classic pumps, cashmere sweater, pencil skirt, white silk blouse.

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

Not really sure. I have had a lot of amazing opportunities in the past year, and keep getting cool offers every week. So I am open to wherever my career path goes as the website continues to grow, and also as I get more offers to be part of ad campaigns and TV shows.

You can follow all of Marta's fashionable adventures at:

www.withlovegabrielle.com

www.facebook.com/WithLoveGabrielle

Twitter:  @withlove

 www.pinterest.com/MartaTryshak

Would you or someone you know like to be featured in a Style Profile? Send an email to petiteadventures@gmail.com.

All images courtesy of With Love Gabrielle.

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Cocktails with Colleagues

Blouse - Jacob; Dress - H&M; Boots - Aldo

This is the week. 

It seems as though every every organization I'm even slightly a part of is hosting its holiday get together this week. From catching up with old friends and new, and toasting the season, it's been an exhausting few days, but absolutely fabulous at the same time. 

One of my favourite parts of the season is going through my closet to piece together creative new looks - this really is a fashion girls time to shine! For one of my first holiday parties I chose the above look. I've had this polka dot, sweetheart dress for years but I rarely get the chance to wear it. On it's own, it wasn't exactly event appropriate, but by throwing the blouse underneath, I fit right in. Just that extra bit of fabric made the dress perfect for cocktails with colleagues.

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On the Go

Sweater - Zara; Blouse - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Tights - Sentiments from Zellers
Boots - Aldo

Yesterday's was one of those crazy days where I was on the go from 7 a.m. until I finally crashed 12 hours later. The first of many crazy days to come.

From a seminar to work to holiday shopping, I had to find an outfit that would take me from A to B to C. Plus, it had to be a look that would keep me warm while I was running around in the -11C weather (that's right, winter is here).

To satisfy my criteria I settled on layers - and lots of them! It's that time of year, when I wear everything I own to make it through the day without frostbite.


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Pinspiration Tuesday

The Inspiration:

Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde

The Reality:

Dress - Old Navy; Blouse - Jacob; Boots - Aldo

This pinspired ensemble comes courtesy of Elle Woods.

I'd coveted the above look from the very first time I saw Legally Blonde, but I never had the right pieces to put the look together for myself. Fast forward 11 years (yikes, I'm old) and this petite had everything she needs to become legally blonde brunette.

Totally worth the wait.


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Just in Time

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Banana Republic; Boots - Steve Madden

I gave myself last week off to wallow in the glory that is PMS (if anyone wants to dispute the existence of PMS, I would like to introduce them to last-week-Kate; she could have won any PMS-related argument, no contest.) From sad and irritation (which I took out on loved ones, sorry mom :s) to craving chocolate and salt (at the same time), you name a symptom, I had it. And, none of my usual remedies were working, so I spent most of the week (after work hours, that is) watching episodes of Intervention while shoving fistfuls of caramel popcorn in my mouth. It was sad and glorious all at the same time.

But, like any good storm, it passed and I'm back to feeling like my usual self - and, just in time! Saturday was my second shift with Dress for Success (DFS) and it wouldn't make for a very good experience to work in the boutique with an irritated, ragey Kate. I haven't been volunteering long, but I can honestly say it's one of the best, most rewarding things I've ever done - plus, it's fun! If I hadn't already been feeling better, my DFS shift wouldn't have definitely done the trick.

When I left the house early Saturday morning it was raining, but by the time I left the boutique huge snowflakes were falling from the sky. That's when I finally realized that the holidays are right around the corner! Just nine more days and this petite adventurer will be back on the west coast - if that's not a reason to celebrate, then I don't know what is!

Happy Monday!


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Style Profile: The Eternal Optimist

Name:  Darcy Boucher           

Age: 24

Occupation: PR/Communications student by day, blogger & fashionista by night

Site: www.eternaloptimist88.blogspot.com

Location: Ottawa

When and why did you start your site?

 When you study communications, all of your professors constantly harp on you about how crucial it is to blog. My first attempt at blogging was a few years back, but it was solely for school and I quickly lost interest. I started The Eternal Optimist in May of 2012 based on my best friends suggestion, she told me "Darcy you always have great style and find THE best deals…you should write a blog about it and share your tips with the rest of us." So that is precisely what I did. I wanted to write about something I was truly passionate about (fashion) and that I would actually stick with.

How would you describe your site?

I see my site is an extension of my style and personality. I would describe my personal style as feminine and classic, but that being said, I am still a student and don’t really have the budget that my style requires, therefore it is necessary to come up with creative ways to mix and match less expensive pieces with investment ones and find a way to have my personal style shine through, despite my budget limitations. Creativity is key and The Eternal Optimist is meant to help women who feel my pain find affordable styles.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere. I frequent the mall often. Way too often. Even when I don’t buy, I constantly window-shop and check out what styles are available out there. Also, if you do window-shop a lot you will be up-to-date on pricing and will recognize deals that much easier.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Classic beauties such as Kate Middleton, Audrey Hepburn etc. I love Lana del Rey’s vintage style and I am huge fan of Lea Michele and love her character’s recent makeover on Glee.  

Describe your personal style.

The styles I usually gravitate to are all very sophisticated, classy and feminine. I yearned to be brought up in a different era (think the 50s), the days where women dressed elegantly and embraced their womanly figures. Give me anything that has lace, a bow, is pink or is in the form of a dress and I will be a happy gal.

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

Two of my favorite quotes are "You can never be too overdressed or overeducated" and "Life is too short to wear boring clothes," and I couldn’t agree more with those statements. Life IS too short, try that edgy hairstyle or daring trend now! You will regret it when you are too old to do so. If you know me, you are well aware of how much I agree with the first statement. It is always best to be overdressed rather than underdressed, if for no more than to feel good about yourself and use your favorite pieces that you may not get to break out that often. This could be tied back into the “life is too short” concept; if you wait and wait for that special day to use your beloved item, well hunny, that day may never come!

Where are your favourite places to shop?

Forever 21 is amazing for basics and trendy pieces you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on. H&M and Zara always have the European flair that I adore. Ralph Lauren is definitely a favorite as well, and Jacob is a beautiful showcase of Canadian clothing. In all honesty I can shop almost everywhere, literally from Bluenotes to BCBG. It is all about discovering that one great piece and incorporating it into your wardrobe.

 What are your favourite trends for this season?

I am loving the peplum style and am so happy that is forecasted to stick around for spring. Two-tone riding boots are something I have been coveting for quite some time now, and I think the fur vest/piece trend is perfect for winter and it just screams luxury and lavishness. (Faux fur of course, no critters will be harmed because of my closet!)

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Just one? Where to even start, I could name a whole list but  a few of the ones that grace my top 10 list would definitely have to be socks with sandals and corduroy pants (or corduroy anything for that matter). Also, one last one, shorts/mini skirts with Ugg boots. Ladies, pick a season and stick with it. Please.

What do you never leave home without?

Phone Charger, Nivea fruity shine lip bam in strawberry, whatever book I am currently reading, and of course, a smile.

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

I think it is absolutely necessary to invest in products/items that you use on a day-to-day basis. Every woman should have a quality face cleanser that works for her skin type, an excellent curling iron, a string of pretty pearls, a classic trench and that perfect little black dress.

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

In 5 years? Oh gosh I’ll be almost 30..do I have to think about that already? Alright, well if I really must, I see myself living a double life between Canada and somewhere tropical, achieving my entrepreneurial aspirations (owning a boutique or two, among other things) and still writing/blogging as much as my heart pleases.

Would you or someone you know like to be featured in a Style Profile? Send an email to petiteadventures@gmail.com.

All images courtesy of The Eternal Optimist.

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Lace and Luxury

Shirt - Smart Set; Skirt - Jacob; Tights - Zellers Boots - Aldo

Sorry for the unexpected hiatus yesterday, but this week did not get off to the greatest of starts, and I blame it all on hormones. Evil, evil hormones.

Because I wasn't feeling like my usual petite, chipper self, I decided that it was the perfect day to wrap in lace and luxury, in the form of my new bamboo tights.

Absolutely fantastic.

I'm now convinced that the cure for any bad day is bamboo tights.

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Casual Thursday

Shirt - Joe Fresh; Sweater Dress - Le Chateau;
Leggings - TNA; Boots - Aldo

Last week our office was empty. With all of the directors attending a conference in the states, and many people out sick, there was no one to enforce the office dress code, so I decided that casual Friday should start on Thursday.

Sweater dress, leggings and over-the-knee boots - perfect for casual Thursday.

(Unfortunately, my camera died after four photos and this was the only usable one.)

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