Best Holiday Outfits at H&M

H&M just opened up a new store in my city and it’s created a newfound obsession with them. I think in the past all of the stores I have visited have been too big and busy, whereas this one is much smaller and easier to look around.

Last week I was in a mad rush to get some new party outfits and I knew that I wanted outfits that were 1) stylish, 2) well fitting, and 3) a decent price. I’m tired of spending hundreds on a dress that I literally only wear once. I hit the mall with no idea of where to go or what I was going to end up with, but I walked out with bags full of exactly what I was looking for, all thanks to H&M!

Below I have shared my five favorite looks from H&M for the holidays, all of which are under $100 (and most under $50). A huge bonus is all of the outfits below are also perfect for New Years Eve!

(all prices are in Canadian dollars)

Short Sequinned Skirt – $29.99

 
Fitted Lace Dress – $49.99 (color below is burgundy, it also comes in black)

 

Jumpsuit w/Tie Belt – $79.99

Sequinned Velour Dress – $59.99 – (color below is black, it also comes in dark green). This is my personal favorite! I wore it to a party this past weekend.

 
Pleated Dress – $49.99 (color below is black, it also comes in dark teal)

 

 

Does anyone else have any H&M favorites this holiday season?

-SS

 

 

 

 

 

 

My June 2018 Favorites

Happy July 4th to all of my American readers! I’m a little sad, for the past three years Mr SS and I have been in Las Vegas for July 4th but we couldn’t go this year due to my work commitments (bring on the desert heat in August though!). It’s not about me though so I hope everyone is having a great holiday!

I was planning on writing this post on June 30th, but didn’t get around to it, however I’m kind of proud of myself that I’m only 4 days late. That’s not too bad, right?!

Here are some of the things that I couldn’t stop obsessing about last month:

Louis Vuitton Neverfull in Damier Azur w/Rose Ballerine lining

I mentioned this bag in my Summer 2018 Wish List post and I’m so happy to say that I bit the bullet and bought it, and I LOVE it! One thing that I’m really loving is the pouch that comes with it, it carries so much more than I thought it would and it’s the perfect size to use as a wristlet. It was like two bags for the price of one and really, at this price who doesn’t want that?!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

I won’t lie, I want lash extensions, but I have crazy bad seasonal allergies and I know that plus fake lashes would just be a disaster for me. So I had to find the next best thing, and I did with this mascara! I get a lash lift every 3 months so my lashes are always curled, but I’m still always missing volume and that “are they real” kind of look. Well, Marc Jacobs totally hit the target with this mascara, it is perfection! My lashes look longer, thicker and more “feathery”. This is my first time trying it but I can already tell that it will be a staple for me.

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume 

This is another one that I talked about in my Summer 2018 Wish List post (I got everything on that list!) and I’m so completely obsessed with this perfume. It smells amazing, it’s the perfect scent for summer and lasts all day. I love it so much that I picked up the travel sized version to carry in my purse.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizing Lip Gloss

I posted about this in my Summer Makeup post for a reason. It gives a small hint of shimmer, a tiny bit of color and it smooths and plumps like no other. I ended up buying it in two shades (Apricot and Beige Sunrise) and not a day went by in June where I didn’t use it.

Wilfred Buffon Pants 

Omg I am in love with these pants! I know that they are not very “summery” but we didn’t have the best weather in June, it was super rainy so cute skirts and shorts were out. I bought them in two colors (black and olive green) because they are that amazing. They are stylish but also super comfy, and they go with everything. My favorite way to wear them has been with pumps, a cami and a jean jacket. They’re joggers in every sense of the word but since they are made of a fine Japanese crepe, they are way dressier than your typical joggers and can be paired with just about everything, and just about every season. I also love wearing them with a logo tee and sneakers.

What do you think will be some must haves now that July is here?? What can’t you live without in the summer months?

-SS

My Top 10 Closet Staples

I love clothes shopping! In store, online, resale market, it doesn’t matter – I love it all! Over the past couple of years I have made an effort to focus on building up a closet full of staples that can be worn over and over again during different seasons, for different events, and with many different pieces.

I have created a list of 10 of my must have closet staples. All of these items can be dressed up or down depending on how you wear them, and will always leave you feeling put together and ready to take on the day, no matter what that day brings!

1. Leather Jacket
   
   

   

   

   
   
   One of the best things about a great leather jacket is that it lasts forever! Styles change slightly, but a great leather jacket will always be in your closet. They can be worn in every season, and go with everything. I’ve worn my leather jacket with casual outfits and with a dress and I always, always feel great wearing it. My preferred style is a black moto style and I am still obsessed with this Trouve one I bought a few years ago. Brown also works well too as a closet staple.
2. Jeans
   

   

   
   
   It’s hard to find anything that could be as versatile as a great pair of jeans. Just like everything else on this list, they go with everything, and can be worn every single day if you style them right. One of my go-to daytime outfits is jeans and a t-shirt, and one of my favorite nighttime outfits is jeans, a silk camisole, and a pair of killer pumps.

   When buying some staple jeans, go for great quality, a comfortable fit where they are not too tight or too loose, and a medium wash. Don’t be afraid to get them hemmed to make them the perfect length for you! My favorites right now are Citizens of Humanity in the rocket crop style.

3. Classic White T-Shirt
   

   

   You can never go wrong with a classic white tee! I personally have classic every color t-shirts, but the white one is the one that goes with everything and never goes out of style. It’s so easy to pair it with every single thing on this list and always look and feel your best. A great quality white t shirt will be slightly looser fitting and not see-through. My favorite is the Lagarde from Aritzia

   The most important thing to remember with white t shirts is keeping them white! Wash in hot water using a detergent especially formulated for whites, and lay flat to dry.

4. Blazer
   

   

   

   If you pay attention to one thing on this list, make it this one! My black blazer gets an insane amount of use. Just in the past couple of weeks alone I’ve worn it with:
   – jeans, a t shirt and sneakers
   – jeans, and a nice blouse
   – joggers and a camisole
   It can also be worn with skirts, dresses, you name it! A blazer can be dressed up for interviews and meetings, or add a professional edge to an otherwise casual outfit. There are SO many blazers out there to chose from! My two favorites are a well fitted black one and a longer white one. One thing for sure is you can never go wrong with a blazer! The ones above are from Aritzia and Dynamite

5. Camisole

   

   If I had a dollar for every camisole in my closet I would have… well, a lot of $! I love, love, love cami’s! I wear them with just about everything. Joggers, v-neck cami& denim jacket? Check! Jeans, lace trimmed cami & pumps? Done! Shorts, cami & kimono? Yes please! Camisoles come in a varity of colors, styles and materials and are usually fairly inexpensive making them a priceless closet staple. My absolute faves are Babaton and RW&Co

6. Well Fitting Dress
   

   

   
   
   You never know when you will need a dress (or skirt). Work events, weddings, last minute formal occasions. A great well fitting dress should not be mini length, so that it can be modest enough with a blazer for a work event, but you can also dress it up with a pair of stilettos and accessories for a weekend event with friends. Finding a perfect midi length dress can be difficult so make sure you go with one that makes you feel comfortable. I prefer a more fitted style since I’m on the petite side, but a flowy style works great as well! Color should match whatever your usual color palette is, if you try to go out too out of the box with a staple you might find that you don’t wear it too often. A favorite one of mine is the Babaton Matheson Dress
7. Black Pants
   

   

   

   
   
   A great pair of fitted black pants can work wonders. Interview? Black pants and blazer. Dinner date? Black pants and camisole. Rainy day shopping trip? Black pants and denim jacket.

   I prefer to go with a pair that is cut more like jeans since that’s the style that works best for me and that I feel the most comfortable in.

8. Denim Jacket
   

   

   

   
   
   Denim jackets might just be the most versatile piece in any closet. They go with everything! They work for during the week, going out, vacations, you name it, a denim jacket is your friend! One of my favorite outfits is a great pair of joggers with a camisole and a denim jacket. For work I will pair it with a great pair of pumps, or for the weekend a pair of slip on sneakers will do the trick.

   If you are looking for a denim jacket that will stand up to the test of constantly changing fashion trends, go with a medium length hitting just above the hips and a medium wash. I guarantee you will be wearing it for years to come!

   This jacket from Dynamite is my absolute favorite and it was only $59!

9. Pumps
   

   

   

   
   Every woman needs a killer pair of pumps in their closet! You don’t need 4″ Louboutins to feel like a million dollars, you can wear a variety of heel heights and colours to instantly add style and confidence to any outfit. If you are really not a heels person, a pair of pointy toe flats would work just as well!

10. Slip On Sneakers
    

    
    
    A great pair of slip on sneakers are not only stylish, go with everything and are super comfortable, but they can easily be dressed up or down. Depending on your lifestyle you can replace this with a pair of ballet flats.

    My favorite slip on sneakers of all time are these from Steve Madden. They are SO comfortable!

 

If anyone else has any closet staples they would add, please share!

-SS

Friday Favorites – Pumps!

Switching it up a little for this weeks Friday Favorites – shoes!

I love a good pair of pumps and think it’s amazing what they can for an outfit. I’m a huge fan of street style and I love the jeans and leather jacket type look (although I just bought an amazing Babaton trench coat, which is getting more wear than my leather jackets right now) and one of the best things about that look is the ability to dress it up or down with shoes. Pumps are the perfect way to add class and style, and sometimes edge, to any outfit.

I have two favorites that I want to share with you, and both of them have passed quite a few tests:

• Comfortable enough to wear all day at the office
• Soft leather that doesn’t give me blisters
• Comfortable enough to wear walking for a long period of time outside; and
• Easy to walk in so you don’t do the “baby Bambi” walk

Both of the styles below have passed those tests and I now own both of them in multiple colors. Of course they are both from brands that continue to impress me and have never let me down.

Sam Edelman Hazel

Vince Camuto Kain

Who else has “holy grail” shoes?

-SS

Latest Fashion Buys

I have been on a little bit of a shopping frenzy lately. I don’t know if it’s the change in weather, the new job, or just from feeling inspired, but I’ve definitely

Now I’m on somewhat of a ban. I’m looking for some specific pieces for the season but other than that, no more random buying!

First up, my Aritzia purchases!

 

Dynamite:

 

Vince Camuto (Nordstrom):

 

Vici Collection:

Sam Edelman (Nordstrom):

 

Young, Fabulous & Broke:

Silver Icing:

 

See why I had to put myself on a ban?!

-SS

My Summer 2018 Pinterest Obsessions

Have you figured out yet that I am completely in love and obsessed with everything summer?! I wish this season could last forever! Or I could move to Hawaii, or California 😉

One of my absolute favorite things about this time of the year is having the freedom to wear whatever I want without having to bundle up or worry about shoes being appropriate for ice and snow. I can spend hours searching “Summer outfit ideas” on Pinterest and compiling my seasonal wish list… and who am I kidding, I do this all year long, just not in June!

Here is a quick snapshot of what I’m into this year!

**DISCLAIMER: None of these images are my own and all are fully credited on the post**
***if you own these images and would like them removed from my site please contact me through the Contact page and I will remove it immediately***

These pants from Hello Fashion Blog!

Credit: https://www.hellofashionblog.com/2017/07/the-piece-that-sold-me-on-this-polarizing-trend.html

 

This entire outfit from The fashion through my eyes

Credit: http://www.thefashionthroughmyeyes.com/light-blue/

 

This jumpsuit from Gal Meets Glam

Credit: http://galmeetsglam.com/quick-reads/gal-meets-glam-jumpsuits-for-spring/

Anyone else obsessing about the same pictures? I would love to hear what everyone else is into this season!

-SS

My Summer 2018 Wish List

I was planning on doing a Spring 2018 Wish List but since it’s almost the end of May, I think a Summer one makes much more sense! I’m feeling like my summer wardrobe is looking pretty good right now thanks to the Nordstrom sale last year, where I stocked up on shorts and cute summer dresses, but there are still a few things that I’m feeling are complete must haves for me this year. The following things in particular are the ones that I can’t keep out of my mind:

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Damier Azur w/Rose Ballerine lining

This is obviously going to be a major splurge for me, but I’ve decided that it’s worth it. I have been doing my research on LV bags for years to make sure I get the right one for me and I have finally come to the decision that the Neverfull MM is for me and the right one to add to my collection. I have a speedy 30 in Damier Ebene and I absolutely love it, but it’s not the most practical summer bag. One, it’s dark colored, which is great, but it’s not very summery, and I find the top handle to be inconvenient when I’m running around doing “summer things”.

My first Louis Vuitton bag was the Speedy 25 in Damier Azur and I loved that bag so much that I carried it every day for about 5 years (before getting my 30). The print is perfect for summer and I seriously cannot wait to get this bag! The pouch that it comes with is a major plus too since I desperately need a clutch that I can use for my phone and car key.

White Jeans (brand/retailer TBD)

 

I have been resisting white jeans for a while, but I don’t think I can any longer. They are perfect for summer and can easily be dressed up or down. I keep leaning towards a distressed pair because I love that look, but it doesn’t make that much sense since I would be looking to wear them to work. So I’ll probably end up with a regular pair.

Young, Fabulous & Broke Indio Dress

I am obsessed with YFB dresses! I already have one, it’s about 4 years old and still looks brand new despite wearing it a ton. They are incredibly comfortable and flattering and I always get tons of compliments whenever I wear it. I’m thinking I need one in a darker color since the one I have right now is white and light blue.

Flat Sandals – (I’m loving these two from Call It Spring)

I get a new pair of flat sandals around every 3 years and I usually get fairly inexpensive ones. The last ones I got were from Call It Spring and they are only just falling apart now, and I think I got them 3-4 years ago. They were only around $40!

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume

One thing that always signals the start of summer to me is a new fragrance, so I always treat myself at the start of the season. This year I have decided to go with Flowerbomb, which not only do I think smells perfectly for summer, it also reminds me of Crystals Mall in Las Vegas, which is one of my favorite places to visit! I can’t wait to pick it up.

 

What do you guys have on your Summer 2018 wish lists? Please share in the comments section!

-SS

Brunette the Label

I have obsessions often. One look at my blog or my closet can easily show you that, but one of the things I love about my obsessions is sharing them with people. My latest one is sweatshirts, I don’t know what it is, maybe it takes me back to my collection of oversized Club Monaco sweatshirts in the late 90’s (which by the way are now classified as “vintage” – I feel old), but there is just something about sweatshirts that I absolutely love lately. I keep buying them, I think I’m up to around 6 just from this season alone *insert grimacing face emoji here*, but I just can’t seem to stop!

I wanted to share with you the newest brand to fulfill my love of fashion with my newfound (renewed?!) love of sweatshirts – Brunette the Label The first thing you see on their website is the slogan “Life’s better in a tracksuit”. Um, yeah it is! Brunette the Label was founded in 2014 in Vancouver, Canada *heart eyes* and if you haven’t heard of them, you need to get to their website and IG and check them out right away!

They have a variety of items, not just sweatshirts, but the ones that I am completely obsessed with is their sweatshirts. So far I have only bought two, and I say so far because I know myself and I know that I will not be able to stop at just two – I’m sure I will have a closet full before the season is over.

I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking that they’re just sweatshirts and how can they possibly be so amazing that I had to write a blog post about them?? Trust me, they really are that amazing! They are comfortable, flattering, warm but not too hot, and CUTE! I mean, with slogans like “Rose Okay”, “Fries before guys”, “No champagne, no gain” “this wine is making me awesome”, how can they not be cute?!

I started out with the standard “Brunette” sweatshirt (also available in Blonde and Redhead) – black with white writing and I loved it so much that I went to Nordstrom and got the black with rose gold glitter “Rose Okay” sweatshirt. I’m a standard size XS and the XS/S fits me like a glove, I have washed the sweatshirts already (washed in cold, laid flat to dry) and they still look and feel brand new.

You can find Brunette the Label in your local Nordstrom and on their website. They also have many retailers throughout North America carrying their stock.

Does anyone else have any similar obsessions right now?

-SS

 

Winter Boots (for those who hate winter boots)

November 4, 2017 was a big day in my life. For the first time since I moved to Canada 20 years ago, I bought my first pair of actual winter boots! I have always been a more “style over practicality” type of person, and although a pair of boots won’t change that about me, I had to admit that I was getting sick of my footwear dictating what I can and can’t do during the months of November-April.

We have had a ton of snow over the past couple of weeks, and it has been cold! As much as I would love to keep wearing my heels throughout this, it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

After a lot of Pinterest browsing and wandering around the mall feeling kind of sorry for myself (have i mentioned how much I miss summer?!), I finally decided on the Timberland Teddy Fleece Boots . They come in ten different colours (I got the taupe ones), they’re waterproof, fleece lined (hello warm feet!), have a rugged rubber sole, and they’re kind of cute!

My favourite thing about these boots, other than the whole warm/safe on ice thing, is that they can be worn two ways – either with the top up or folded down. It’s like getting two pairs of boots for the price of one!

During my Pinterest browsing, I found a video showing different outfit ideas for women –  It’s definitely worth checking out! How to wear Timberland boots / outfits 

So far I have worn them with leather leggings, jeans (black, blue, and ripped) and they look great with everything. Most importantly, my feet have stayed warm and my butt has not met the snow yet so they are clearly doing their job! Definitely worth the $165!

To all of you that live in winter-y climates, how do you handle the footwear issue? Any tips?!

-SS

Online Shopping: Vici Dolls

You guys, I have to share one of my favourite stores with you! Vici Collection has two store fronts in California in Newport Beach and Walnut Creek, and a huge online store. They also have the most stylish, drool-worthy Instagram account (which is great for my closet but not so beneficial to my bank account)!

I have shopped once in store and made three online orders so far and I have been SO impressed! I’m wearing the Valeria kimono (now sold out) today and true to form with all of my Vici pieces, I have received so many compliments.

I also pretty much live in my Dean destroyed relaxed skinny jeans jeans and with the cooler weather approaching, I can’t be without my Nap Queen sweater

Other pieces that I have purchased have been the Succession contrast top (perfect for office wear!), the Merlot shawl fringe (so stunning!), Greetings from NYC sweatshirt (so cute and so soft), a black tank/choker top (so on trend, but sold out) and the Ashton romper (makes me feel like a supermodel, but unfortunately it is now sold out)

All of their clothes are stylish, great quality, perfect fitting, and affordable! We’re talking $50 for a cute pair of jeans affordable!

For Canadian shoppers, it’s $19.95 shipping through UPS and never takes more than 5 days to get to me.

If you do nothing else as a result of my blog, please visit the Vici website. I promise that you will not be disappointed! (also, tell me if you purchase anything – I want to hear/see what you bought!)

-SS

 

*All of the images in this post were taken directly from the Vici Collection website, with Vici Collection’s permission*

**This post was not sponsored in any way and all opinions and experiences are my own**