Updating My Basics

I haven't bought myself anything new to wear in quite a while (well, there was that kelly green mini... and navy and hot pink silk top...) and it has occurred to me that my basics will need updating before going back to work this fall. So to focus my sparse shopping efforts between now and then, I've made a list of what I need.

Hooded Trenchcoat

Tall Rain Boots
Leather Gloves

Organizer

I'm one of those women who totes her blush and mascara in a Clinique gift-with-purchase case. Aren't these organizers, from less and more, such a beautiful alternative? This holder reflects my view on consumerism going forward - purchase only items that you need, are of high quality and are aesthetically appealing.

Post

I officially love the comparison shopper feature on Canada Post.com. It is so refreshing to find a Canadian site with prices in Canadian dollars and products available for purchase and shipping in this country. Image via Torontoist.

Maternity Clothes

For all the other expectant mothers out there, I thought it appropriate to share the benefits of the hours of web-trawling I have done to find fashionable and affordable maternity clothes.

I admit it - before this babe came along shopping was a breeze. Stores generally carried my straight off the rack size, limited alterations were required (aside from my routine $8 jean hemming at our neighbourhood tailor) and finding clothing that fit my style and budget was fairly easy. Welcome pregnancy and all of a sudden shopping, not to mention simply getting dressed in the morning, has become a challenge. However, I have found a few tried and true sources for maternity clothes that I like, can afford and fit well.

My sources:

• ASOS - This British site is fantastic. If you shop nowhere else during your pregnancy, I recommend that you shop here. Shipping is quick and free, and prices are available in Canadian dollars. You can also watch each style on the runway, which is very helpful when anticipating how the fabric will flow and fit. I've bought three dresses from here thus far, and am debating which ones from their line will be my next purchases. French Connection even sells a maternity line through ASOS. Right now, I'm loving the Breton Stripe Jersey Dress, Swallow Print Tunic and Layered Sleeve Shift Dress.
• American Apparel - I literally live in black leggings and long sweaters when I'm not at the office. American Apparel has a great variety of slim fit maternity clothes, and the most adorable onesies for baby.
• Joe Fresh - Though Joe technically doesn't have a maternity line, I personally find their cuts and sizing to be very maternity friendly (particularly in the second trimester). Joe's plethora of long striped t-shirts has been a great score. And further, what could be better than scoring a new top for $10 while simultaneously picking up your weekly groceries?

Image of Kitted Waist Seam Dress, one of my ASOS picks and the dress I'm sporting this Easter Sunday, via ASOS.

Packaging

I love these proposals to minimize the amount of visual clutter on consumer products. I think the clean design of these packages builds upon the appeal of similarly streamlined brands, such as Apple, who have enjoyed significant commercial success. Via A2591.

Pop-Up

I'm thinking 100 Circular could use a splash of Kate Spade's Pop-Up London shop. All images via Kate's Facebook page.

Svpply

I have exciting news, my lovelies - I've been invited to share my favourite must-have items on Svpply. The site is a great place to promote your favourite entrepreneurs and bookmark your favourite retail items (you can read more about it here, if curious). I'll be continuing to add to my favourites in the coming days (including my favourite horizontal striped items, naturally!).

Tote

Found: the perfect tote for purchasing supplies for a coffee table picnic. Via Cup of Jo. For purchase here.

Indie

A friend shared Dress 911 with me this evening, and I'm already lusting after these three dresses. The fact that such a purchase would leave a minimal dent in my pocketbook is very appealing. Thanks, Amanda! Dresses are by far my favourite type of garment.

Icon VI

Henri Matisse painted himself in a red striped shirt (a garment I've been scouting for ages). I think this Sandro one might be the perfect splurge.

Cartoon

I've made a promise to myself to indulge the lust for shopping I've currently been experiencing by blending it with my desire to get back to reading one novel per week; I've made a plan to purchase one novel each week from my neighbourhood book shop, Sweet Relic and The Bookery. My first splurge: The Impostor's Daughter - a cartoon novel! I've read only a few pages, but I already recommend it.

If you're keen to read more cartoon novels (a guilty pleasure of mine), I recommend French Milk as well.

Monaco

This little lady is completely excited that Club Monaco now offers online personal shopping! Image via Models.

Statement

Two weekends ago, while shopping on Bloor Street in Toronto with my girlfriends, we embarked on a statement necklace hunt. My dearest Amy was searching for the perfect piece to complement a little black strapless cocktail number (p.s. love that idea and her style direction!). We happened upon a number of pieces of suitable jewelry, but none nearly as perfect as these necklaces by Elva Fields. I love chunky neck pieces and find it impossible to choose a favourite from amongst her wares. Delightful! All necklaces available here.

Stockings II

Here are some delights for your loved ones this holiday season from my new favourite shop - Fishs Eddy.

Floor plan coasters to serve spicy tuna rolls upon.

Hand moulds to cluster in a display on your mantelpiece.

Farm animal motif juice and milk glasses to use for a hearty Saturday morning brunch.

Loose leaf inspired plates for serving cheese and crackers at an end-of-the-semester party.

Ceramic egg crates to jazz up your baking time.

Fun coasters for your next house party.

Heels

This week my wedding dress came home with me (correction: was delivered to my grandma's closet for safe-keeping). Yes, that's right, I didn't have to wait four months for an order to arrive as the dress was on the rack and had never been tried on by anyone else before. My dress arrived in the shop earlier that day and was the perfect size and colour. I quite lucked out!

All that remains now is to find a pair of shoes so that the hemming can begin. I'm currently crushing on these selections from J Crew.

Salon

As our wedding planning begins, purchasing a dress is on the top of my to-do list. This reality, combined with a serious crush on all things Brooklyn Bride, is making me wish there was a Junko Yoshioka studio in St. John's. White walls and soft non-meringue dresses: what more could one ask for? Images via Brooklyn Bride (again)!

Auntie

We're loving our new Saturday routine of strolling Water Street and mingling around Auntie Crae's - the smell of fresh bread, herbs, and cheese - yum!

Receipt

I've recently made a slight career switch which sees me working in the area of climate change and emissions trading. Given my 9-5 occupation, this post from Design Verb via Cup of Jo caught my eye. Doesn't this receipt make you think? I'm curious how far the red onion and yellow pepper I purchased today had to travel to make it to my grocer's counter. It makes me realize that it is worth the effort to start incorporating more frequent visits to a local farmer's market into our routine.

Shopping

I love window shopping in stores like this one. Image via Design Sponge. 

Clock

Though my recent purchase - a Cupecoy Design clock - is a rip-off of George Nelson's Sunburst Clock, I love it as if it were an original.