HOLIDAY LOOKS

I'm finally done exams and am back home. Time to celebrate!
No matter the celebration, I think every girl's holiday outfit needs a little bit of sparkle. In this months issue of Elle Canada, Nanette Lepore said that "When it's a holiday party, there's more of an excuse for glitter and shine." I couldn't agree more. The holidays are a great time to get yourself all dolled up.
I've created seven looks for this holiday season based on sparkle and shine.

1: A sequin dress is definitely an eye-catcher. You'll be sparking with every move you make. I think this one's gorgeous and the python platforms bring out the embroidered sections of the dress.

Needle & Thread Sequined Mini Dress $540 USD

Topshop LENA Snake Platform Sandals $90 USD

2: A black and white dress can make coloured heels pop- red shoes would be fitting for a Christmas party. A statement necklace adds some shine.

J.Crew Firefly Necklace $57.50 USD

Moschino Cheap and Chic Cotton-blend Bouclé Mini Dress $850 USD

ALDO Tallo Bordeaux Suede High Heels $100 CAD

3: Again, red is fitting for Christmas time and I find this dress to be really fun. With your hair worn up, a pair of statement earrings add a pop. These earrings tie in with the black suede boots and bring out the gold hardware on them.

Tamara Mellon Highway- 105 MM Boots $995 USD

Strappy Silk Dress by Boutique $140 USD

House of Harlow Teepee Triangle Studs $28 USD

4: I love this edgier look. A flowy, metallic skirt adds a lot of movement and is sure to catch people's eye. I love the look of this one with the leather bralette. With the white blazer thrown on top, it will be more weather appropriate. These booties would play up the leather in the bralette, and a pair of statement earrings tie the look together. 

ALDO ALLIE Boots $120 CAD

Talula Kent Blazer $85 CAD

Topshop Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt $115 USD

Banana Republic Noir Nature Statement Earring $62 CAD

Topshop PU Bralet $72 USD

5: A great way to stay nice and cozy during the holidays is by wearing a turtleneck sweater. Pair it with a skirt and tights and your good to go. Wear your hair up to show off a pair of statement earrings. The heels add a pop to an otherwise fairly plain look.

J.Crew Solid Opaque Tights $24 USD

Club Monaco Radà Crystal Earrings $159.50 CAD

Wilfred Montpellier Sweater $165 CAD

Topshop Textured Lace Hem Pelmet Skirt $68 USD

Gianvito Rossi Leopard-print Calf Hair Pumps $950 USD

6: A pair of printed pants make a statement. Add sparkle with a sequinned top. I think the silver hardware on these boots look great with the pants, and as an added bonus, they add a little more shine.

ASOS All Over Sequin Co-Ord Top $85.28 USD

ALDO GALILAHI Ankle Boots $160 CAD

Zara Print Trousers with Contrast Piping $79.90 CAD

7: A simple LBD can be livened up and look more festive with shiny accessories. I chose this gold cuff to bring out the gold in the pumps. I think the pearls on them make the look very chic, and add a fun, unexpected twist to it.

La Perla Perfect 30 Denier Control-top Tights $42 USD

Topshop Ponte Twist Skater Dress $85 USD

Hervé Van der Straeten Textured Gold-plated Cuff $675 USD

Nicholas Kirkwood Embellished Satin Pumps $995 USD

I hope some of these outfits have given you ideas for what you'll be wearing to celebrate the holidays. I'm still not sure what I'll be wearing, but will try to add hints of sparkle wherever I can. 

Carmie

FALL STREET STYLE

I find street style very inspiring. I follow a few street style blogs and usually go to them if I'm stuck in a style rut. Here are a few looks I loved from the past few months with lower and higher budget ways to recreate them:

LOW BUDGET: Zara Wide Brim Felt Hat $39.90 CAD H&M Fake Fur Jacket $99 CAD Azure Skies Tola Tank $25 CAD Zara Mid Rise Skinny Jeans with Ripped Knee $59.90 CAD Sam Edelman Justin Hold Gore Chelsea Boot $140 USD

HIGH BUDGET: Maison Michel Blanche Wide-brim Rabbit-felt Hat $440 USD Shrimps Mabel Color-block Faux Fur Coat $995 USD Club Monaco Marcia Sweater Tank $98.50 CAD Frame Le Colour Ripped Jeans $235 CAD Jimmy Choo Dark Buckled Leather Biker Boots $1,195 USD

LOW BUDGET: Forever 21 Faux Suede Moto Jacket $69.80 CAD H&M Cable-knit Jumper $29.95 CAD Topshop Black Faux Leather Shorts $68 USD Forever 21 Classic Over-the-knee Socks $7.90 CAD Forever 21 Over-the-knee Stiletto Boots $47.80 CAD

HIGH BUDGET: Selected Suri Suede Jacket $491.42 CAD Jason Wu Chunky-knit Cashmere Sweater $1,111 USD J.Crew Collection Leather Shorts $450 USD Base Range Over-the-knee Ribbed Stretch Cotton-blend Socks $30 USD Collide High Leg Boots $250 USD

LOW BUDGET: Topshop Knitted Cable Cardi $96 USD Club Monaco Slim-fit Chambray Dress Shirt $98.50 CAD H&M Imitation Leather Skirt $34.95 CAD Forever 21 Textured Faux Leather Tote $33.90 CAD Forever 21 Oversized Square Sunglasses $6.80 CAD

HIGH BUDGET: Fred Perry Cable Knit Cardigan $267.08 CAD Chinti and Parker Linen and Cotton-blend Chambray Shirt $215 USD Maje Gaia Layered Leather Mini Skirt $470 USD Saint Laurent Sac De Jour Small Leather Tote $2,750 USD Ray-Ban P-Retro Cat Sunglasses $140 USD

LOW BUDGET: H&M Woven Scarf $14.95 CAD Zara Straight-cut Coat $149 CAD Topshop Viscose Scoop Tee $20 USD Zara Houndstooth Check Skirt $59.90 CAD Steve Madden BDEPARTURE Bag $88 USD J.Crew Solid Opaque Tights $24 USD Sam Edelman Petty Ankle Boot $130 USD

HIGH BUDGET: J.Crew Collection Italian Cashmere Wrap $320 USD Victoria Beckham Double-breasted Wool-blend Felt Coat $3,595 USD T by Alexander Wang Cotton-jersey T-shirt $119 USD Topshop Monochrome Dogtooth Skort $72 USD Ela Scandi Drawstring Bag $690 CAD Falke Soft Merino Wool and Cotton-blend Tights $75 USD Miu Miu Patent-leather Ankle Boots $850 USD

Carmie

OCTOBER'S BEST BUYS

Since October just came to a close, I thought I would start off November with my favourite purchases from last month. I can't explain how happy I am that November is here. I've already started my Christmas shopping (really early, I know). I'm actually almost done... I love hunting for gifts and I especially love doing it before the crazy Christmas shoppers take over the mall. Through trips to the mall for gifts and online orders, heres a few things I picked up for myself over the last month that I'm loving:

SILENCE + NOISE ELIZA RIBBED HIGH/LOW TANK DRESS

I ordered this dress from Urban Outfitters when I was ordering Christmas gifts. I got it for $19.99 instead of $54 and I am in love with it. It's pretty stretchy even though it's a baggy fit, and it is insanely comfortable. Since the back is so low cut and it's pretty cool outside now, I'll definitely wear something over it. On the few warmer days that will hopefully still come this fall, I'll be throwing it on with tights.

Urban Outfitters

CANDLES

Fall is when I break out my growing collection of candles. Since the majority of mine are back in Ontario, when I saw a buy one get one free sale on 3-wick candles at Bath and Body Works, I couldn't resist picking some up. The two I bought are Vanilla Chai and Hot Buttered Rum. They both smell amazing and I'll definitely be burning them for the rest of the fall and into winter.

Bath and Body Works

#GIRLBOSS by SOPHIA AMORUSO

This book shows how far hard work and passion can get you. If you're a girl who's interested in entrepreneurship, have an interest in business in general, or are just looking for something to read, I definitely recommend you give it a try. Sophia Amoruso is the founder and CEO of online-retailer Nasty Gal. Some parts of Sophia's story are hilarious and really relatable. I started this book on a lazy Sunday and was finished it by the next day. It's a very easy read and is a push in the right direction if you're lacking motivation. 

Chapters/Indigo

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE 14 DAY CHALLENGE

I bought this kit because in the last month I've been having a lot of problems with my skin (breakouts, dry patches). My skin is pretty sensitive, so after doing some research, I decided to go with the Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula. I'm on my seventh day of the kit, but I noticed a difference in my skin right away. After my first night using it, my skin looked a lot brighter, felt a lot smoother and looked less dull than it had before. I'm halfway through now and my skin looks a lot brighter, it's so smooth, my acne scars have started to fade, and my skin is the clearest it's been in a while. I love how simple it is: the peel is two different wipes, used in the morning or at night and then followed with Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution. It's a little pricey ($59CAD), but I definitely think it's worth it. I'll be going to buy more of the peel once I'm done with this kit. An added bonus: it's vegan and cruelty free!

Sephora

I'm definitely looking forward to snow and Christmas. Be prepared for Christmas themed posts to start popping up soon!

Carmie

FALL CLOSET FAVES

There are a couple of pieces that I have been loving this fall; some are old and some are new. I love fall. Most people hate how it can be freezing when they wake up and then by the afternoon they're dressed too warmly, but I just see it as a way to add a jacket or a scarf as an accessory to my outfit in the morning. The weather here hasn't been too cold yet, so I haven't had to worry about bundling up. These have been my go to accessories so far this fall:

LEATHER BIKER JACKET

On a stroke of luck I got this baby for a really good deal last winter. It was the only one on clearance for just over $100 at RW & Co. and it happened to be my size. I had been on the hunt for a leather jacket for a while and a biker jacket was what I was hoping to find. I love wearing it with jeans and a tee or weather permitting, pairing it with a dress. Biker jackets pair well with almost anything. I'm really glad I got this one, especially at such a good price.

Where to find a leather biker jacket:

H&M $79.95 CAD, Zara $249.00 CAD, Members Only- Urban Outfitters $399.00 USD

UTILITY JACKET

I've had this jacket from H&M for a few years now. I'm always happy to bring it out once the weather starts to cool down. I find a lot of people have olive coloured ones, so I love my khaki one. The colour looks great with almost every other colour so I find it really easy to mix and match with what's in my closet. It's easy to toss on before class if I'm in a rush, so I don't blame almost every girl my age for having one! Lazy chic.

Where to find a utility jacket:

Forever 21 $29.80 CAD, H&M $49.95 CAD, Free People $179.06 CAD

STATEMENT NECKLACES

I've loved the look of statement necklaces for a while, but never really had the courage to wear them until lately. Since I wear a lot of plain clothes, wearing statement jewelry can feel like the final touch on an outfit. I even wore a statement necklace to prom. Lately I've been wearing three. They're all pretty basic, but I'm definitely looking to get some more colourful ones in the next little while. The first my boyfriend got for me from H&M (he has good taste). I bought the second necklace in the spring from a store called Bizou. The third is another H&M necklace.

Where to find statement necklaces:

Forever 21 $11.80 CAD, H&M $24.95 CAD, Club Monaco $279.00 CAD

LEATHER SNEAKERS

These Keds were an impulse buy from SoftMoc and I couldn't be happier about them. These shoes have been so handy for when I'm rushing to get out the door to class at 8 in the morning. Since I wear quite a bit of black, they fit into my wardrobe really easily. They add a bit of edge to even the plainest outfits.

Where to find leather sneakers:

Keds $50.00 USD, Converse- Urban Outfitters $70.00 USD, Vans $60.00 CAD

BLACK SUEDE BOOTIES

I have two pairs... So clearly I love them. The first pair are Ecoté and I ordered them from Urban Outfitters. I got lucky ordering a size online and actually having it fit. I love these booties because I can wear them with anything from cropped jeans to a skirt or dress. The height they're cut at around my ankle is perfect. I had a pair of black motorcycle boots that I loved so much that I wore until the soles had holes in them, so when I went out to get a new pair of black boots last fall and found the second pair in the picture at Aldo, I couldn't say no.

Where to find suede booties:

Steve Madden $129.95 USD, Sam Edelman- Urban Outfitters $130.00 USD, Sam Edelman- Hudson's Bay $139.99 CAD

HOW I WEAR THEM

I usually stick to basics and plain clothing when I get dressed which works out well when I want the focus to be on accessories.

  

  

All of these accessories are pretty versatile, simple and easy to throw on in the fall. I hope you've thought of a new way to wear something, or are thinking about giving one of these pieces a try!

Carmie