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.

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Layer Up: Thursday

Thursday: Vest over Jacket
Fashion Challenge: Layer Up! day four, and so far, my favourite! As soon as I saw the word vest I immediately thought of my beloved vest. So, I bring to you Yeti Chic: Casual.

Vest - Forever 21; Jacket & Jeans - H&M; Shirt - Joe Fresh; Boots (unseen) - Aldo  

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Minimalism At Its Best

Today was a pretty big day for this petite adventurer - my first piece was published for Ef Magazine. It's a profile of Vancouver based designer Sofia Mendez Schenone. You should probably head on over and check it out... just saying'.

http://efmagazine.com/2012/02/01/sofia-clothing/

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The Layer Up Challenge: Monday-Wednesday

I'm a little bit behind on my Fashion Challenge: Layer Up! outfits, so today I'm offering up  a three-for-one.

Monday: Short Sleeve over Long Sleeve
Instead of going the traditional route and pairing a short sleeve t-shirt over a long sleeve shirt, I went with a halter top (also, I'm a bit behind on laundry so there weren't any cute t-shirts left, and I guarantee you don't want to see me styling up my pj shirts... or do you?!).

Shirt - Joe Fresh; Halter & Pants - Jacob; Boots - Aldo

Tuesday: Cropped over Long
I don't know if it's because I'm short, or old, but I don't own anything cropped and this shirt was as close as I came. So I paired it with some polka dots and my bright red pencil skirt.

Blouse - unknown from Aritzia (the tag has faded); Shirt - Zara; Skirt - Jacob; Boots - Aldo

Wednesday: Long over Long
Alright, I flat out cheated for this look. I went with a long dress over a long sleeve shirt; however, I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Shirt - Jacob; Dress - Old Navy; Tights - Zellers; Heels & Pendant - Aldo

There you have it, my first three days of the Layer Up! Challenge. So far I'm loving this challenge; not only am I super cozy from all the layering, but it's really making me shop my closet! Can't wait to see what the next few days have in store.

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Pinspiration Tuesday

Taking inspiration from Pinterest I try to spice up a basic work ensemble (seen here) with some spots.

Sweater - Forever 21; Shirt - Zara; Pants - Talula from Aritzia

Now that I'm on a shopping hiatus for the majority of 2012 (thanks to making petite resolution #16 a reality) this was my first attempt at remixing an older outfit, and it certainly won't be my list.

With results like these how could I stop now!?

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Winter Dots

I love polka dots, yet for some reason this dress hasn't gotten a lot of action this winter. That is until last week, when I decided to pull it out of the closet and winterize it with a cardigan and a pair of tights. (You can see the spring version of this ensemble here)

Paired with my favourite Aldo boots I felt like I could take on the world. That is until I walked out the door and slipped across the ice sheet that was once the sidewalk. It was a treacherous eight minutes, with more than a few no-so-elegant arm flails as I tried not to wipeout, but I made it.

And, once I was on dry-land I did exactly what I had set out to do: take on the world!

Sweater - Zara; Dress - Smart Set; Boots - Aldo; Watch - Fossil

AN EXCITING PETITE ANNOUNCEMENT

I'm also very pleased to announce my newest project See Kate Sew! 

A line of handmade, unique, machine washable baby gifts.

If you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind baby shower gift, then look no further!

To see all of the options, visit my Etsy shop.

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Style Profile: Le Faz

Name: Alex

Age: 22

Occupation: Video Content Contractor/Fashion Blogger

Site: lefaz.tumblr.com

Location: Ottawa/Toronto

When and why did you start your site?

 I started Le Faz just this past April. I was at the tail end of finishing my undergraduate degree and I found myself looking for better ways to keep myself busy and have fun. More than anything, though, I was hungry for a new creative outlet and realized how inspired I was by some of the blogs I’d become interested in over the years.

How would you describe your site?

 My site is a collective of everything I love to read or see about fashion—it hosts anything from runway reviews to personal outfits, music playlists, moodboards, and opinion pieces. I just like to have fun sharing the different components of fashion that inspire me the most. I think fashion goes so much farther than what we wear from day-to-day—it’s an entire lifestyle, and I try to incorporate that idea into my blog.

Where do you get your inspiration?

 When I first began Le Faz, I was incredibly inspired by those designers who started the conceptual era of fashion design—Viktor and Rolf, McQueen, and Jean Paul Gaultier (to name a few). Their designs struck me with that “a-ha” moment: I realized that they were truly creating works of art, while at the same time providing social commentary through fashion. I realized fashion didn’t have to be frivolous or trivial—it was an entire other world. I realized that when you really dig deeper into the industry, you find people who sincerely appreciate high forms of art and cultural commentary (while at the same time expressing themselves by living their lives in their artistic creations).

Who are your style/beauty icons?

 Right now: Sandra Hagelstam (5 inch and up) and Blair Eadie (Atlantic-Pacific)

Forever and always: Diane Keaton and Emmanuelle Alt.

 Describe your personal style.

 I like mixing androgyny with soft femininity. My causal days call for sleeveless oversized t-shirts, black jeans, and leather. To dress up, I usually opt for something flowy and elegant.

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

 Know the importance of your wardrobe staples. A couple of years ago, I started to stock my closet with wardrobe essentials, like white blouses, t-shirts, basic jeans, etc. Having basic items in your closet create the foundation to a good wardrobe: once you’re set with these, move on to buying pieces that express your style! You’ll never go wrong with working your essentials.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

 Value Village for interesting pieces, Zara for basics, Winners for deals!

What are your favourite trends for this season?

 Plaid, knee socks, the colour red, high-waisted wide-leg denims and cozy sweaters!

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

 Long hair that is too long, plastic flip-flops, really long undershirts that women pull down over their butts, leggings as pants, and muffin tops.

What do you never leave home without?

 A good book, a hankerchief, and my day-planner.

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

 Wedges, a pair of black jeans, a white collared blouse, an interesting piece of jewelry, and red lipstick.

What's on your nightstand?

 A drawing, my glasses, my watch, a book, and a glass of water.

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself. 

I love antiquing.

To learn more about Alex's amazing style and life, visit her tumblr, http://lefaz.tumblr.com/, and join the conversation on Twitter.

All images courtesy of Le Faz.

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Saturday Style

Last Saturday Ottawa had the most unbelievable weather. The sun was shining, the temperatures were mild; gorgeous is the only way to describe it.

The best part of it all was that I was able to debut my new shoes.

I almost let these shoes get away from me. I stopped myself from buying them one Saturday afternoon, but couldn't stop thinking about them. So, a week later (and after a little Twitter encouragement from Ottawa West Fashion) I made them mine.

Not only are they my newest shoes, they're also the last item of clothing I will be buying in 2012. But, it's all for a good cause - petite resolution #16 to be exact.

Sweater - Old Navy; T-shirt - Smart Set; Jeans - Mavi; Booties - Aldo

After thinking about it for some time now, I finally bit the bullet and last week I bought my plane ticket to Stockholm. I found an unbelievable deal and just couldn't pass it up. So, in just over six months I'll be jetting across the Atlantic and touching down in Scandinavia.

I can't even begin to tell you all how excited I am!

But, it also means that I won't be shopping ever again. So get ready dear adventurers, I'll be shopping my closet and remixing ensembles a lot over the next seven months!

Have you been on a Scandinavian adventure?
Any tips or can't-miss-sights to share with this petite?

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Bite Size Apple Pie

As soon as I came across this recipe for Bite Size Apple Pies on my most favourite website, Pinterest, I knew I had to try it.

It wasn't until the night of the Golden Globes that I finally got a chance. I love the Golden Globes; the stars, the fashion, George Clooney - it's always a good time. But, it's always so looong, so I decided to watch and bake. It was a great decision because within the first hour I was more than a bit restless...

Here is my latest Adventure in Pinterest:

The ingredients

1 c. sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon (I added more because I love the spice!)

A little buttah - 3tbsp to be exact

After spreading the buttah over the dough, sprinkle on the sugar and cinnamon

Add some apples

And you're ready to roll (see what I did there)

All rolled up an ready to go - bake at 375F

Mid-way through the baking process - about 7 minutes in the oven at 375F

NB: I followed the directions on the crescent dough package, which was a mistake - the moisture in the apples required me to bake them much longer than the Pillsbury-suggested 13 minutes at 375F. However, I do not suggest putting them in longer AND turning the temperature up - this was a huge mistake; I'm impatient, what can I say?! The next time I make these - and I definitely will - I'll just leave them in the oven for a little bit longer.

The final product:

I wish I could describe how amazing they smell as they cook - my apartment has never smelled warmer. But even better, they tasted amazing!

My work lunches just got a whole lot sweeter!

Editor's note: I made these again this past weekend, but omitted the butter - I highly recommend making them this way. A bit healthier and just as tasty. mmm.

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Inspiration Monday: Eva Longoria

It's been a while, but I'm back taking part in the Inspiration Monday challenge over at Two Birds.

The Inspiration:

My Take:

Blazer - Talula from Aritzia; Shirt - Jacob; Jeans - Mavi; Boots & Neckalce - Aldo; Belt - Bluenotes

I wore an outfit similar to Eva's during Ottawa Fashion Week SS12, so I decided to switch it up a bit with the stripes. This shirt is often neglected, but every time I wear it I love it. I'll have to bring it out much more this winter.

Questions? Comments? Compliments?

Check out the rest of the Inspiration Monday posts by visiting Two Birds.

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Style Profile: rcsaveas

Name: Andrea Shoust

Age: 26

Occupation: Fashion Blogger & Teacher

Site: http://rcsaveas.blogspot.com

Location: Toronto, Ontario (originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario)

When and why did you start your site?

RCsaveAS was created in March of 2011 – for as long as I can remember I have right-clicked and saved what I love about fashion - I decided that instead of continually punishing my computer’s hard drive and memory space I would create a blog to document my obsession. In many ways, it is my digital inspiration board!

How would you describe your site?

I think that RCsaveAS is an extension of myself – it represents what I love, and what inspires me, in the fashion industry on a daily basis

Where do you get your inspiration?

Street-style fashion blogs & fellow bloggers – they are often the most creative

Who are your style/beauty icons?

I have a serious thing for Leandra Medine (The Man Repeller) and Taylor Tomasi Hill – those women can do no wrong in my books!

Describe your personal style.

‘Chiffon meets Leather’ (if that makes sense lol) – I love feminize pieces but there always needs to be an edge to balance it out

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

Dress for yourself – and no one else…ever

and LAYER! I cannot express the power of layering – makes or breaks an outfit

Where are your favourite places to shop?

The bulk of my closet consists of Club Monaco, H&M, Wilfred, and vintage pieces

What are your favourite trends for this season?

1) Fur – which elevates an outfit to a new level of opulence in my books

2) Coloured Pants – totally having a moment right now

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

Cleavage – can’t stand it!

What do you never leave home without?

The basics: my iPhone, lipstick, wallet, and keys (duh!)

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

1)    A leather jacket

2)    A gold watch

3)    A fantastic pair of sunglasses

4)    A killer statement necklace (I love Dannijo)

5)    A great pair of booties

…Can you tell I love accessories?

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

Doing what I am doing right now… teaching amazing people and having a creative outlet that I am passionate about – I love getting up each morning and being inspired by what the fashion world has to offer – it’s an incredible industry!

What's on your nightstand?

Bio Oil, Moroccan Oil, and J.R. Watkins Medicated Ointment

Tell Petite Adventures readers something random about yourself.

I was a former national athlete and professional swimmer (retired in 2007)

I also have a Masters Degree in Education.

All images courtesy of rcsaveas.