t+j designs Style Challenge: Holiday Outfit

So at the last minute I have decided to enter the t+j designs style challenge.  I wanted to restyle this statement necklace for the holidays as I almost always wear it with a LBD for parties.  
*I apologize in advance for the quality and size of the photos, if I had more time I would have used a better camera and edited them.

Here's what I came up with...

Silk Blouse: Banana Republic, Pleated Skirt: Moon, Heels: Vintage YSL, 

Bag: Vintage, Headband: Aldo necklace (shown in first pic above)

Bracelets: Van Heusen and DIY, Rings: Aldo and Gifted, Earrings: Forever 21

Firstly I wanted to incorporate color because as mentioned above, LBDs are my go to party outfits.  I chose this teal silk blouse as jewel tones are perfect for the holidays.  I paired it with a pleated (hard to tell in photo) black skirt to balance it out and added the electric blue pumps for an extra pop of color. 

To change up the necklace I turned it into a headband as my black hair is the perfect canvas.  Initially I tried to use it as is, but since it's layered it wouldn't sit flat against my head.  Instead, I wrapped the necklace around a thin white headband which turned out even better!  I love how it looks like beads are intertwined with the chains.

Man I have a lot of flyaways! 

To keep the focus up near my face I decided against a necklace and wore simple pearl studs.  I added some simple bracelets and rings (sorry I forgot to take a close up them).  To balance things out I kept the chunkier bracelet and ring on one hand, and thinner ones on the opposite.  Here's a look at all the jewelry minus the studs.  I used different shades of gold to mix things up.

I love the overall look, it's perfect for the holidays.  Can't wait to wear this to some parties in the next few weeks:)


Loving the t+j designs style challenge,
Amy

Notice of Beautification *Update*

*Update*

I managed to go to the new IKEA with my sister after work and I have to say it's BIG!  There was so much to see that our feet were so sore after walking through the entire store.  Less people were there on opening day than I expected, but that means less line ups yay!

It's huge!

Walking through the self serve furniture area...you can't even see the cash registers at the end!

The first thing we did was EAT of course.  Here's a look at our meal :)

YUM!

I really love the new dinning area.  It's so spacious and it has tons of lighting.  Plus, check out the cool seating area below!  All I need is Wi-Fi and I'd be set :)

Love the all the glass!

Great alternative to a coffee shop and I adore those lamps!

Here are a few things that caught our eyes...

Clear bucket lamp.  Wouldn't it be cool to put different decorations for each season?

Display showing the durability of the Poang chair.  

Adorable wall lamps for kids.

Finger puppet circus, what a cute idea!

Loving the new IKEA Lately,

Amy

**********

Only 2 more days till the largest IKEA in Canada opens in Ottawa! With nearly 400,000 sq. ft. there'll be plenty of space for inspiration, meatballs and more!  

You can spend hours looking at all the unique and innovative items that IKEA comes up with.  The designers are truly talented.  And you can't forget about grabbing some food on your way out (in addition to the meatballs I love their frozen yogurt!)



As part of their marketing, IKEA Ottawa has launched the Beautification Plan.  During Nov. 30 to Dec. 10 their Beautification Truck will be around Ottawa to collect old furniture in exchange for an IKEA gift card.  In addition, if the truck spots the Beautification Notice poster (download here) hanging from your window they'll stop and you can exchange a piece of furniture for a gift card.  Hmmm I wonder what I can get rid of?

Finally during a chat with the Ottawa Citizen's Karen Turner, Isabelle Auclair, IKEA Ottawa's store manager, revealed that there will be giveaways on the opening day.  The first hundred people in line will receive a Poang armchair and the next 500 will receive mystery envelopes with various gift cards/vouchers etc.  Unfortunately due to work I won't be able to line up but I'll definitely be at the new IKEA sometime during the week!  If any of you get a chance to check it out, let me know, what do you think of CANADA'S LARGEST IKEA?

Loving IKEA Lately,

Amy

Hair Crush: Adele

When the Grammy Nominations were announced last week I was once again reminded of my love for Adele.  Not only is she an amazingly talented singer (still can't stop listening to 21!), but she also has amazing hair (and makeup)!  Her looks are always polished and full of height.  My favorite Adele look is the 1st picture below. 

                  

                                      Source: Vogue Italia

                                    

Rare picture of Adele with her hair down.

                                                                                                    Source: Just Jared

     

                                 Source: Amazon UK 

You can find a tutorial on how to get Adele's above look at the Beauty Department.

And check out her heartfelt performance at this year's MTV VMAs below.  She is one of the few singers who sounds even better live than on their record.  You can really sense the emotion that comes from the words of the song.   

                                             

Loving Adele Lately,

Amy                                                 

Holt Renfrew Private Label Paramount Beauty Bag

Those who followed my previous blog know that I'm in love with Beauty Bonuses aka Gift with Purchase (read about it here).  Well, Holt Renfrew (Canada's version of Saks Fifth Avenue/Nordstrom) has a beauty promotion that may be my most favorite yet!  Since the end of October they have been offering the Holt Renfrew Private Label Paramount Beauty Bag for $25.  I didn't find out about it till about a week ago but my mom managed to get the last 2 (thanks again mom!).


Inside the giant cosmetic bag are:

• Monogrammed padded pouch 
• Small mesh pouch
• Mini shu uemura eye lash curler
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (Sample Size)
• Sisley Anti-Aging Creme (Sample Size)
• $10 Voucher for next beauty purchase (so really you only paid $15 for all of the above!)

All this for $25!

I can see myself using this as a clutch during the Holidays :)

You can see the zipper is big and sturdy.

This bag is really big plus it's lined with plastic for easy cleanup!
The mesh bag is detachable from the side and there's an inside pocket on the opposite.

Yay, metal feet so the bag stays upright!

As you can tell I'm really excited about this purchase.  Even though I own tons of cosmetic bags I believe I'll get a lot of use out of these ones.  Plus I can't wait try out the samples :)  Now what I should I put that $10 voucher towards?? Typcial skin care stuff I need? Deborah Lipmann nail polishes? Holiday gift sets? 


Loving the Paramount Beauty Bag Lately,
Amy

Shop til you drop or wait....

Oh the dilemma! With so many deals in Canada to match Black Friday & Cyber Monday across the boarder, I didn't know whether or not to hold out and wait for Boxing Day/Week!  So I scoured the mall and tons of sites looking for clothing and accessories deals but in the end I only picked up this long sleeve tee from Gap. You can't go wrong with basics, especially in a lovely aubergine color and for only $8!

While I decided to hold out for better deals that doesn't mean there weren't any pretty things that caught my eye.  Here are few things that I left behind:  

LOVE PU Skirt -Vero Moda

V- Neck Tunic - Moon (they ran out of my size!)

Crest Button Pea Coat- Forever 21

And finally this gorgeous dress which looks amazing on the equally gorgeous Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha!

Pleated Tube Dress- Jacob (was 50% off!)  

I'm ok with not getting any of these items.  I don't really need any of them and with Christmas around the corner it's better to keep my money in my wallet!  What did you pick up on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Loving Sales Lately,

Amy