Secretary Style

I've been on the search for basic button down shirts for forever now. But being a petite, there's always something wrong with them: too baggy, too long, too baggy and too long... the list goes on and on.

So, you can imagine my joy when I came across a rack of them at Jacob on my recent shopping adventure. Not only did they fit well, they were relatively inexpensive - a win-win!

To debut this piece, I chose to go for the secretary look.

I'm not going to lie, I am a huge fan of the secretary look.

Sophisticated, put together, yet sexy.

What's not too love?!

And, that's exactly how I felt about this look. It was the perfect combination of sophisticated and put together, but with the right amount of sexy - for the office at least. I am a working girl, just not a "working girl" - don't want to be giving anyone the wrong impression.

Shirt - Jacob; Skirt - Jacob; Pumps - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I know that this piece will definitely be making many appearances over the next few weeks, so stay tuned...

How would you style this basic, yet not-so-basic piece?

Mixing Prints Rd. Two

A couple of weeks back I received some of the greatest news any working girl could ever ask for: I was getting a raise. But it gets better; not only was I getting a raise, but I was overdue for one, so retro-pay was coming my way!

On that news, I did what any good fashion loving lady would do - I went shopping! Who doesn't love spending money you don't yet have. The next couple of posts will feature some of my newest pieces.

I wore this outfit at the beginning of a very busy week, one that included a visit to Emilia Torabi's showroom with the lovely Twenty York Street, an IABC Ottawa event and finished off with Ottawa Fashion Week SS12 (I was so enthralled by the clothes walking the runway - especially the David McCaffery show which actually gave me goosebumps - that I took no useable photos, but if you check out Lot 65, Marcia B Creative, Twenty York Street, Sincerely Sabrina, The Taste of Fashion, or Moose Photography you can get caught up on all the sartorial action).

To start off my busy week, I thought I would do so with a bang, and mix some prints. This was my second attempt at mixing prints petite-style (my first attempt can be seen here). I was much more adventurous this time around pairing a bolder paisley print on top with a more subtle print in the pants.

There's something about this outfit that made me feel very polished, but not.

And, I loved it!

In all honesty, I bought this shirt on a whim. I was drawn to the patterned but didn't pick it up right away; instead, I circled around it four or five times before I actually added it to my pile. Even as I put it on that morning I wasn't sold on it, but after strutting down Metcalfe, I realized it brought the perfect amount of punch to an otherwise dreary day.

Top - Jacob; Pants - Off The Wall - Shoes - Aldo

And, I loved it! 

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.

Style Profile: Loren Romei

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.

The first is Loren Romei. This budding journalist is new to the blogging scene, but judging by her style, she's been a fashion fiend for years. In today's Style Profile, Loren talks trends, blogging, and why you never leave home without a great handbag.

Name: Loren Romei (but my friends call me Lo!)

Age: 21

Occupation: Journalism Student at Carleton University (my alma matter, holla!), Freelance Journalist

Site: http://www.littleloxo.wordpress.com/

When and why did you start your blog?

In June I decided to start my fashion blog. I have always loved fashion and at school I had the opportunity to explore blogging. With the support of my friends, I decided to create a blog that would not only justify my shopping addiction but share my love for fashion! I really wanted to create a blog that wasn't just me posting my outfits. I wanted to show that the intimidating world of fashion can be personal, fun, and creative.

How would you describe your site?

I blog weekly about things I love. But, my site isn't just me, it is also about other fashionable people, local designers, stores, and trends.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Of course I keep up-to-date with fashion magazines, but I think fashion inspiration comes from within.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Well, since I JUST blogged about her, I must say Blake Lively. I also love Lauren Conrad and Audrey Hepburn.

Describe your personal style.

My style has changed over the years and it still changes on a daily basis. I don't think I could put my style into a box and label it, but I'd have to say I have a girly sense of style mixed with a little bit of sass.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?

People who wear workout clothes on a daily basis. Workout clothes can be cute, but only when you're actually working out!

What do you never leave home without?

An adorable over the shoulder bag!

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

Obviously a little black dress, at least one pair of black heels, red lipstick, cute underwear, and a great designer bag.

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

I see myself somewhere on the streets of Vancouver wearing a great outfit and working in PR or online journalism. Hopefully in five years my blog following will be thriving and people will be talking about little lo's loveable things!

Learn more about Loren and Little Lo's Loveable Things by checking out her blog, or by joining the fashionable conversation on Twitter.

In tomorrow's BC Style Profile, we learn about fashion and more by going To Vogue or Bust.

All images courtesy of Loren Romei.

Holidays, Celebrate!

A few months ago, as I was newly un-unemployed I read the book "Nice Girls Don't Get Rich" hoping that it would inspire me to be frugal and financially responsible. For the most part it didn't; I like shoes and dresses way too much. However, I did learn a few things - for example, not using all of the paid vacation days given to you is not good. Not only are you basically throwing free money down the drain, there are actual health benefits from taking time off: "A 20 year study (The Framingham Heart Study) found that women who took two or more vacations a year cut their chance of a fatal heart attack in half as compared with women who took no vacation." Dr. Lois Frankel

So, long story short, I'm doing myself a favour and taking off to the West Coast for a few days to eat turkey and spend time with family, and these two loveable beasts:

Who can say no to those scrunchy, confused faces?!

In honour of my fleeing to the wet coast, Petite Adventures is going to feature five days of style profiles showcasing some of Vancouver's most fashionable and inspiring bloggers. 

Trust me, you don't want to miss the BC Style Profiles Series - these ladies dispel the rumours that all anybody wears in Vancouver are Lululemons and Hunter boots. They know fashion - and over the next five days you'll get to know them all.

Monday: Loren  - Little Lo Loves 

Tuesday: Alexandra - To Vogue or Bust

Wednesday: Kelsey - The Anthology

Thursday: Lisa - SoloLisa

Friday: Olivia - StyleStruck

Style Profile: Enter Kelly

Enter Kelly. This University student, and chocolate addict, is new to the blogosphere, but in the few months since she started her personal style blog Enter Kelly, she's become a force to be reckoned with. Learn more about her personal style and pet peeves in this week's blogger profile.

Name: Kelly

Age: 21

Occupation: Student (almost done though!)

Site: http://enterkelly.blogspot.com/

When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog in February 2011. I had been reading fashion blogs for about a year, and came across Kendi's 30 for 30 Challenge. I decided this was definitely something that I wanted to try, and started blogging as a way to keep myself on track! When the challenge was over, I continued blogging because of who much I enjoyed it.

Who would you describe your blog?

My blog is a "diary" of my personal style. Sometimes I throw in a few recipes, or a little bit about my life, but it's mostly to share my journey of personal style :)

Where do you get your inspiration?

Like most bloggers, I get a lot of inspiration from other style bloggers. They can usually rock a really chic outfit while keeping it reasonably affordable. I also love reading up on fashion magazines like Elle, but I really love People Style Watch. I don't know why, but I've always loved that magazine. Pinterest has also become a place to go for inspiration lately... that website is addictive!

Who are your style/beauty icons?

Well... this is a tough questions because I don't really have an "icon". Style is so personal and is constantly changing, so I've never really found on specific person to consider my icon. Let's just say that all of the style bloggers that I follow are collectively my icons.

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

Be confident in what you're wearing. When you're confident, you feel good; when you feel good, you look good.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love shopping at Dynamite, Forever 21 and H&M (although we still don't have an H&M in Ottawa...) I can usually spend forever in any of those places. If shipping to Canada were cheaper, I would probably have many more favourite online stores.

What are your favourite trends for this season?

I loved all the pattern mixing and colour-blocking that went on this summer. For fall, I love the look of capes - I need to find myself one! I also love the camel coloured midi-skirts.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeves

Super mini-skirts, UGGS and Crocs. I'm sure that's already been said, but seriously. I hate them.

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

1. A well-fitted, structured blazer

2. A classic pair of heels

3. A pencil skirt

4. A cute button-down top

5. The perfect pair of jeans. This will be different for everyone, but you know what I mean. The jeans that you put on and feel a million times better.

Learn more about Kelly by following her blog, Enter Kelly, or join the conversation on Twitter.

All images courtesy of Enter Kelly.

One Sweater Three Ways

Although you can’t really tell with the weather these days, it’s officially fall. You know what that means; fashion turns to cozy sweaters, boots and tights. This post has two of those three things. You’re welcome.

I bought this sweater at the beginning of September, and it quickly became my new fall favourite. A couple of weekends back when the weather began to feel like fall I decided to wear it, and wear it and wear it again.

So here we go, one sweater three ways:

I first wore this sweater as a casual Friday outfit. If you’re a regular Petite Adventures reader you’ll know that I have an issue with the temperature of my office – as in, it’s sub-zero and I freeze on a daily basis. I took advantage of the sub-arctic cubicle climate and wrapped myself in this cozy charcoal sweater.

Paired with boots and skinny jeans I was happy and warm all day long.

Sweater - SmartSet; Tank - Lululemon; Jeans - Mavi;
Belt - Jacob; Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

I remixed this outfit Saturday morning when I had to run out to the bank to buy loonies to do laundry (oh the joys of apartment living). It was fairly early in the morning, so I stuck with boots. But, as I was just running down the street I figured flat boots were the most appropriate – didn’t want to be mistaken for a walk of shamer.

Sweater - SmartSet; Shirt - H&M; Jeans - Mavi; Boots - Aldo

By Saturday afternoon, the temperatures had risen and it was turning out to be the most gorgeous late summer Saturday. Taking advantage of the last of the summer sunshine a friend and I went into the market to wander the stalls, smell the flowers and people watch (okay, we really just went to people watch, but did the other stuff as well). For this petite adventure, I chose flats.

It’s really amazing how one little detail can completely change an outfit.

That's right, I was hanging with Drew Barrymore 

After throwing on some aviators I was ready to hit the town. 

Sweater - SmartSet; Shirt - H&M; Jeans - Mavi;
Shoes & Sunglasses- Aldo; Belt - Jacob; Watch - Fossil

I was in love with this sweater before, but even more so now that I’ve realized how versatile it can be. I’m looking forward to finding ways four, five and six to wear this sweater throughout the fall.