prairie girl musings

Tag: shopping

  • 8 Holiday Party Looks

    8 Holiday Party Looks

    If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already started your Christmas shopping AND made a dent in your Christmas music repertoire. If there’s one thing I haven’t really thought about, it’s what to wear to the multitude of upcoming holiday fêtes. This year, I’m attending three work parties, planning a minor shindig for my 25th birthday, and attending the wedding of my dear friend, Jill on NYE. This gives me several excuses to get decked out like a disco ball, and continually refer and pin images to my Pinterest board: all that GLITTERS because I’m cool like that.

    Are you wondering what to wear throughout the month of December and well into the new year? Here are my favourite options, simply click on the photos to find out where to buy them:

    1. I promise I’m not sponsored by Club Monaco, although I do spend an average of 20 hours amongst these beautiful garments every week. Two of my favourite pieces for the holidays are the Hattie skirt and the Kaitlin skirt. They both are holiday essentials as far as I’m concerned. If you’re going out for a dinner, simply pair with a cable knit sweater to dress your look down.
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    2. You’ll wear this classic yet modern 3.1 Philip Lim dress long after the holidays are over. I like the neckline and sheer sleeves.

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    3. You can’t go wrong with a little bit of faux fur. Here’s an option that isn’t overwhelming but would certainly amp up your holiday outfit.

    4. Add a little bit of plaid to your outfit. I’m in love with this dress by Madewell.

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    5. If you’re wanting something a little bit more elegant, the Mia dress from Club Monaco is absolutely stunning!

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    6. You really can’t go wrong with a bit of lace, especially during the holidays. Aritzia keeps it festive with this cranberry-coloured frock.

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    7. Okay, just one more look from Club M. The embellished Rebecca dress is flattering and just glittery enough to help you stand out.

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    8. Leather is still very on-trend this season, as are skater skirts. The Tartine dress by Wilfred combines these two trends, which makes for the perfect holiday get-up.

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    Let me know if you’d like me to do a men’s guide, I’d be all over that!

    Happy holidays, friends! xoxo

  • Summer Fashion Trends

    Summer Fashion Trends

    I am officially on a shopping ban.

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    You read that correctly. I’ve made a bet with an undisclosed individual that I will not shop for the entire summer, that is until September 2013. Those who know me know how challenging this endeavour will be. However, it has forced me to go through my closet and work with the already abundant selection of garments I have.

    Without further ado, here are my six favourite summertime trends:

    1. Lace. I have a thing for lace, and nothing beats a white-hot lace top with high-waisted denim shorts, or a vibrant pink lace skirt paired with a denim button-down shirt. Bring it on.

    2. Denim shirts. Yes, I am Canadian and yes, I do love denim more than your average bear. It just goes with everything and it is easygoing, unpretentious and casual. I feel as though anyone can wear denim, which I love. I’ll be rocking my denim shirts and denim jackets all summer long.

    3. Basket-weaver sandals. While I’m not sure the official name for these sandals, but I must say I’m in love. Paired with anything from a floral sundress to a striped t-shirt and shorts, basket-weaver sandals are the way to go this summer. I bought a Steve Madden pair (pre-ban) for $30, what a steal!

    4. Dungarees. Okay, so I could call them overalls, but I much prefer the British term, “dungarees” because it’s more fun to say! Socialites all over the globe have made this a must-try summer trend, and I can’t help but love the effortless look.

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    5. Summer sequins. Who can resist a little glitter? Pair a sequin skirt with a white top or sweater in the summertime for a look that takes you from day to night. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and chic to avoid overkill.


    6. Calf-length skirts. Come on, show off a little calf. I love where these skirts hit the leg, they aren’t quite maxi. No time for a pedicure? No problem, just lace up your boots or brogues.

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    xoxo, Vanessa

     

  • Bright Lights, Big City!

    Bright Lights, Big City!

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    I initially fell in love with the Big Apple during my first visit in 2006. It was the summer prior to my last year of high school; the summer I decided I was going to be a Broadway star.

    After five days of intense dance classes at the Tremaine Dance Convention, evenings spent exploring Manhattan and catching the world’s best shows, I was convinced THIS was the place for me. Infatuated with the bright lights, the multitudes of tastes and sights, and its vast history, I felt compelled to return.

    Luckily, thanks to the upcoming nuptials of my friends, Kirsten and Steve, I had the opportunity to return to NYC for a second visit. Kirsten chose New York as the location for her bachelorette trip; a city she had always wanted to visit. The eight girls who comprised our group had all gone to the same elementary school, so you can imagine what a reunion it was! Our five-day trip was packed with sightseeing, gallery hopping, riding bicycles through Central Park, indulging in local cuisine, partying in Greenwich Village, and taking in all the sights and sounds of New York. I also had the opportunity to catch up with some of the friends I’ve had the pleasure of meeting during my travels.

    A lot has happened in the past seven years, but New York still holds infinite optimism and possibility. Not only is it the city that never sleeps, it is a city that anyone can enjoy. Regardless of age or gender, New York City will captivate you; it will dazzle your socks right off. There’s Manhattan that only runs 13 miles long, yet is packed to the brim with people, culture, and skyscrapers. We visited both MoMA (Modern Museum of Art) and the Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) where we caught the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit.

    Brooklyn, a hipster mecca, is perhaps my favourite borough. It is stocked with flea markets (Artists & Fleas is a must-see) carrying handmade, locally-designed goods, vintage shopping (Beacon’s Closet, anyone?), locavore food scene (you’re seriously missing out if you haven’t been to Smorgasburg), independent galleries (Brooklyn Art Library) and stores and trends that began right in Williamsburg (Catbird!)

    I can’t possibly list all the amazing spots we visited throughout Greenwich Village, SoHo, NoHo, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, so instead here are some memorable photographs: