Style: Quantity vs. Quality

I remember once reading an article in a fashion magazine where the author stated that she now felt she was too mature and successful to shop at The Gap. As a student at the time, shopping at The Gap seemed like a splurge and I couldn't imagine feeling like that sportswear was too common to wear and though my modest budget's grown, I still can't relate to that magazine comment. Today, I count The Gap (alongside shops like Club Monaco, J Crew and French Connection) as my most commonly frequented and favourite shops (thank goodness for online shopping!). I'm also a fan of consignment shops, like Model Citizens (where I recently bought a beautiful Reiss silk blouse, which was very exciting for a Kate Middleton fan like me). 

But, the reality is that really special items (particularly uniquely patterned full a line skirts - my work staple) are hard to find at mainstream retailers. So I'm left browsing Bluefly and Nordstrom for the skirts of my favourite designers - Marc by Marc Jacobs, kate spade new york, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore and Diane Von Furstenberg - and feeling the pinch (or torture as Greg says) of  deciding whether one really special skirt or dress per season is preferable to a few more affordable pieces. Already owning a sizeable work wardrobe, I'm leaning towards making only one really special purchase.  Early on, building a wardrobe was important (I recall one massive Jacob shopping spree when I finished my graduate degree), but now that I have plenty of suits, sports jackets, dresses and skirts (I'm anti-pants at the office, owning only one pair of wool pants for the depths of winter),  this approach might make more sense. Who are your favourite ready to wear designers? How do you approach building and maintaining a work wardrobe? Above is one of the skirts I'm adoring these days from marc by marc jacobs.

Wear to Work Dresses: Which to Buy?

French Connection Bric A Bloc Tunic

Topshop Tuck Neck Shift Dress

BCBC Max Azria Cicely Dress

BCBC Max Azria Karia Dress

After a little visit to our office today (yes, my husband and I work for the same entity, though not on purpose!), I'm thinking about work wear and am tossing around the idea of buying myself a birthday dress that's also work appropriate. I've been searching for something special (I have tonnes of black and grey shift and suiting dresses in my wardrobe already). Here are some of my favourites. I'd love your thoughts on which to choose! xo

P.S. Many thanks to friends who sent recommendations on where to shop. I've found some beautiful dresses at your suggestions! xo

The Perfect Heels For Wearing With Baby This Spring

Found: the perfect shoes for wearing with grey jeans and chasing a belly scooching 7 month old this spring! Upon noticing these on Emerson Fry, I remembered a very similar (albeit leather not suede) pair of pink peep-toe chunky sole sandals in the back of my closet. I'll be pulling them out as a go-to shoe once this snow melts!

Stripes: To Wear on Your Husband's Birthday

Whether you're celebrating quietly together over a romantic meal or at a party fit for the gossip columns, this outfit is sure to delight. Dress by Ax Paris, jacket by Top Shop, clutch by Nina Luz, and pumps by Rupert Sanderson.

Neon + Neutral

Right now, I'm loving pairing neon with neutrals. A child of the 80s, I remember wearing hot pink spandex and loving it, so it doesn't take much to convince me that neon shades are beautiful. I've long hesitated to wear them though, because they seemed too dated, garish and immature. Enter neutrals. A great beige or grey really makes a neon shade pop, and ups the sophistication factor. I'm sold! Images via Elle, Daily Does of Lies and Lovelo.

P.S. This is a brilliant way to incorporate some neon into your housewares as well! xo

Maternity Leave Must Haves: Spring + Summer

Oddly, though Thomas was born in late August, I've already enjoyed a long stretch of summer-like weather while on leave. Knowing what worked then in those early days, this is my clothing plan for this coming spring and summer.

1. A t-shirt v-neck dress is both nursing friendly and ever so slightly trendy. I bought mine at Purr in Calgary when four months pregnant, so it was very body friendly in those early days post-delivery. It's perfect for picnics, baby showers and afternoon dates. Dress by Dorothy Perkins.
2. Slip on sneakers are a must have by your front door when wearing baby in a carrier because they're hands-free so you don't have to bend over to put them on. I lived in a pair of purple Keds last summer, but also love Bensimon slip ons. Canvas sneakers by Bensimon.
3. Long chinos are perfect for schlepping strollers and chasing crawling babies. I'm going to trade in my short shorts for some longer chinos this summer. Shorts by J Crew.
4. A pashmina is perfect for covering shoulders as evening hits, and shading baby when nursing outside in public on sunny days. Pashmina by Pashmina International.
5. A light sweater is perfect for layering and wearing instead of a jacket under your baby carrier. Pullover by La Garconne.
6. A canvas tote bag is perfect to supplement your diaper bag for a day at the beach or park. I personally prefer to keep my diaper bag stocked with clothes and diapering basics every day and then supplementing with another bag for activity-specific items (like my swimsuit or a packed lunch for mom and baby). Bag by Michael Kors at Zappos.
7. A stack of affordable tank tops and t-shirts is a necessity to prepare for spit up, sticky fingers and puree stains. Tank top by Mod Cloth.

Maternity Leave Must Haves: Fall + Winter

If there's one thing I truly miss about working, it is my wardrobe. At the office, I'd wear flouncy skirts, sky-high heels and knit sweaters. Jeans were reserved for (some) Fridays and weekends. Now jeans are an almost daily occurrence. But seven months in, I think I'm finally getting a handle on my fashion must-haves for maternity leave. Today I'll share my must-haves for fall and winter, and next week, I'll share my summer and spring must-haves.

1. A slim fitting coat that hits at the hip. I got mine at Zara, and it's perfect for wearing under a baby carrier. Plus, if you're breastfeeding and lugging baby, chances are your body temperature is warmer than normal so a thinner coat will last you longer into the fall and can be pulled out again in late winter. Coat by Old Navy.
2. A one-piece swimsuit that flatters your new body. Thomas loves to go swimming at our neighbourhood pool, and I want to be able to participate with confidence. Suit by Top Shop.
3. A long, v-neck cardigan to throw over basic t-shirts. Cardigans are perfect alternatives to sweatshirts. I always feel more pulled together in a cardigan than a hoodie. Cardigan by Aubin & Willis.
   
4. Rubber boots for city walks and country hikes. I love getting outside with Thomas, and living in a rainy city with lot of puddles, galoshes are a necessity for keeping active. Wellingtons by Tretorn.
   
5. A striped t-shirt. There's no good functional reason for this. I just love them. T-shirt by House of Fraser.
   
6. A fun and flouncy skirt that you can pair with v-neck t-shirts for every occasion. Skirt by Flannels.
   
7. A pair of splurge-worthy jeans that make you feel fabulous. Jeans by Citizens of Humanity.

What to Wear on Valentine's Day: Romantic Dinner

If fine dining is part of your Valentine's Day plans, perhaps an ensemble like this would suit? Dress by The Look, clutch by Tory Burch, booties by Designers Remix Signature and coat by Miu Miu.

What to Wear on Valentine's Day: Casual Date

Seasonal, yet sophisticated, here's the perfect solution for an unconventional, but fun Valentine's date, like bowling and a curry buffet. Cigarette pants by Joseph, studs by J Crew, sequined bag by Red Valentino, pink flats by Bottega Veneta and heart sweater by Sonia Rykiel.

Joe Fresh

Joe Fresh is the perfect, affordable, Canadian way to clothe the whole family. I can scarcely get through my local supermarket without taking a peek each week.

Heart Scarf

What a beautiful scarf for Valentine's Day and 5 ways to wear it! xo

Monokini

Found: the perfect swimsuit for a new mom - forgiving and flattering, without looking too matronly. Saturday (yes in a snowstorm), I splurged on a Gossip monokini at Le Boudoir. Greg suggested I try it on (shock!) and surprisingly it was super flattering. It's perfect for when you want a little more coverage, but still want to be stylish.

Clips

I haven't worn shoe clips since grade school, but these are perfect for the surprise date Greg has planned for me this coming Valentine's Day weekend. I'm tres excited!

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.

Copenhagen

I think part of me belongs in Copenhagen. Images via Copenhagen Street Style.

Icon IV

Sienna Miller perfects horizontal stripes for summer (meaning with a white skirt instead of black). Image via Meg Hibberd.

Frances

I love this delightful "church and state" shift from Frances May (isn't the garment's name a riot?). The image reminds me of this blog, whose author never reveals her face. I'm intrigued by the blend of keeping ones face private, but yet displaying one's fashion persona for all the world to see.

TV

I've been likened at work to Peggy (of Mad Men fame). While I'm not sure of the comparison, 1960s heels and pencil skirts are delightful! Image found via Milk (where it was found via this isn't happiness).

Speaking of tv-land, I've caught a few episodes of Big Love season 4 while flying on Air Canada and am super excited to watch the remainder.

French

Given this blog's namesake, I felt inclined to post this comment from little brown pen. Have stripes to Parisian fashion become white tank tops to beer ads? Image via little brown pen.

Monaco

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