STYLING // CHRISTINE #1

The Basic: Zara Dress, $59.90
Day: F21 Cropped Blazer, $29.80, F21 Pearl Necklaces, $7.80, Zara 3-Toned Heels, $79.90
Night: Zara Jacket, $99.90, H&M Cuff Bracelet, $7.95, Zara Gold Headband, $11.90, Zara Ankle Boots, $59.90

So, this first look is based on finding a dress that is versatile for work and going out. The thing that I like about this Zara dress is the tailored fit that is appropriate for work yet that small black detail adds style that can be perfect for a night out of town. This gives a good foundation to build an outfit that can quickly transition from work to play. 

During work, I paired it with a cropped blazer to give off a professional look, with long pearl necklaces and to add some colour I found the 3-toned colour heels from Zara that isn't overly high and is appropriate for work but the colours just add a little Christine-personality to the outfit. 

During a night out, I paired it with a leather jacket and I find that gold accessories adds more of a statement and chic-ness than silver. Christine loves to wear headbands, so the gold stretched headband would add some playfulness to it and a gold bow cuff is just a good way to have more fun. I decided to pair it with ankle platform boots to give more of an edgy look. 

charisse

STYLING // CHRISTINE INTRO.

Meet Christine, circa Christmas 2011

So... yesterday broke the news to me that she would like me to style her. Of course, I jumped for joy. JUMPED for joy. In the next few days, I'll be posting up some styles for her that I've put together for her and under her budget. Since, she hates shopping. I figured this would be the best way then after she decides whether she likes it or not we can just go shopping on a Saturday or something. So, excited. I cannot wait.

Here's a quick tidbit about Christine. She's a lively girl that has an eclectic style that I don't think many can pull of. She works in a business setting so she dresses conservatively. I hope to infuse her eclectic style into her 9-5 wardrobe just so she can be stylin' at work too. Style doesn't stop just because you work in a 9-5 job.

Now... it's time for me to get to work.


charisse

EVERYDAY STYLE // FALLEN LEAVES

Cape from Anthropologie, Shirt from Joe Fresh, Bag from Rebecca Minkoff,

Jeans from Gap, Boots from Winners, Glasses from Chanel

I spotted some fallen leaves yesterday and as the temp drops to the late teens this weekend. I can't help feel giddy. You have no idea how much I love Fall. I get to finally take out my capes out for a spin after a dreary winter, a wet spring and a hot summer... It's always about layers but add so colours, florals and prints. Fall 2012 couldn't be anymore exciting. 

charisse

TRENDS // STATEMENT NECKLACES

So, I was in the Yorkdale area for a meeting and decided to pop in the mall for a bit especially since I rarely go there and it's the only place that has Top Shop. I walked through the Bay and the collared necklaces caught my eye. I feel that this season it is all about statement necklaces, be it collared or just an extravagant necklaces. It will indeed make your outfit even more special. Ironically though, while I was oohhh-ing and ahhhh-ing over the necklaces, I walked away with a cube ring from Top Shop. But here were some the styles that caught my eye. 

1. The Bay, buy here 2. The Bay, buy here 3. Top Shop, buy here 4. Top Shop, buy here. 

5. Top Shop, buy here 6. Top Shop, buy here 7. Top Shop, buy here

charisse

BASICS // JOE FRESH

Joe Fresh is the best place to buy good basics on a budget price that will ground your wardrobe. A couple of days ago, I went to the Joe Fresh/Loulou event at Queen and Portland. I spotted their coloured denim for $19 and a simple 3/4 cotton shirt for $10. I paired it with my fur vest, tassled necklace, RM Mac Mini and the Geox studded flats... you get a good transitioning outfit for fall.

charisse

EVENT // MASHA & STEFANO'S WEDDING

Little did I know that July just passed by like there's no tomorrow.

So, here's a quick catch-up. So much rush of emotions was in July, 3 of my good friends left the city for bigger and better things, add 1 amazing wedding, you get my July.

Looking for a nice dress for a summer wedding was a chore. I nearly gave up and was just going to wear this purple dress I already had. But, when you are not looking... you always do find the best stuff. I stumbled onto the Zara Sale. I was on a budget, so a sale is always a good sign. And then... I found a mint laced dress. (On a side note: I was looking for one 3 months ago). They had it in my size, tried it on and sent the photos to my friend to see if it's good. She approved and that was done. And did I tell you it was $69.99. Such a deal. 

I accessorized it with my black and gold tear drop earrings by Eliza Kozurno that I purchased last year during her trunk show at Love of Mine. Along with a Banana Republic gold bracelet I got as a gift and my ever-so trusty Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC. Paired it with my black peek-a-boo pumps I got from Asia.

It was safe to say that it was so much fun dressing up. It has been awhile. So, I can't wait for more weddings to go to... or more like fancy events where I can dress up.

charisse

RUNWAY // MARCHESA RESORT '13

I just saw the latest runway from Marchesa. It's so freaking jaw-dropping beautiful.

Isn't it just so dreamy? Ahh... Marchesa! Love it.

To see more of what Marchesa has to offer, visit vogue.com. 

until then,

charisse

{images via vogue.com}

BEAUTY // HAIR PRODUCTS

My hair. I'm embracing my waves/curls probably because I finally met a stylist that gave me tips on how to define the curls instead of just straightening it. I think my hair has reached the perfect length... where my curls can run wild and free. It seems like people seem to take notice when I was in France. Odd. But after I came back... everyone kept commenting on how long it's gotten and asked me what I did to it. Nothing. Nada. I just let it grow... it maybe the French connection. So what do I do to get this look? I usually air dry most of the time... but it seems like if I want to get the nice waves (see photo) I should really hair dry it but the only time I do that is when I'm about to go out and my hair is still wet.

I've used 2 products so far to enhanced my curls... currently I'm using this one from Kevin Murphy. It's doing it's job. So, I'm happy with it. It's much lighter than the one I used before. So, that's a plus. But both work the same way... I usually put a quarter-size on my palm of my hand and then just put it the wet hair and play around with it. Comb it. Then either I air dry it or just blow dry it. And then... I let nature takes it course. Then I straighten my bangs because my bangs is so out of control... and I also will look like a teenager if I don't. 

until then,

charisse

LOOK BOOK // A.L.C RESORT '13

I am in love with the A.L.C Resort 2013.

Hello! In love with the playfulness of the floral print and coloured leather pants. This is why fashion is just so much fun. Black and white will never been the same.

until then...

charisse

Images via style.com

TRAVELS // PARIS WITHDRAWAL

Not even a full 3 days in Toronto and it's been overcast and cloudy since my arrival. Why does it look so meek and sad all of a sudden?

Anyways, I'm back from France. And I completely fell in love. I did mostly sight-seeing and eating pastries, so there aren't many stories of any midnight rendez-vous with Frenchmen. France was spectacular. Paris was a dream. I never had much expectations for this city with all of the mixed reviews but this time around I had a blast. Seeing all of the architectures and eating the heaven-like pastries were the best part of my trip. I didn't really drown myself into the culture... but it felt like I was living in Paris for a short moment since I opted to rent a flat instead of staying at a hotel.

The location was superb. And I only paid a fraction of the price if I stayed at a hotel in the same arrondisement. Oh arrondisement. You are guessing what that means? So, Paris is divided into I believe 20 arrondisements. I stayed in the 1er arrondisement which was the most central area, just minutes away from Paris' shopping district and 10mins walk from the Louvre. It was the most ideal place for me since I was traveling alone. Just a couple of blocks from the closest metro and I was surrounded by pastry and chocolate shops. It was simply divine.

Anyways, I'm still uploading my photos to my computer. I'll have them up shortly.


Until then...
charisse