- Friday, May 29, 2015
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I met Elise, a fabulous wardrobe stylist and designer at Delano Design Boutique in Montreal last weekend. She gave me a tour of the boutique, then asked me if I would be up for letting her dress me. It was an interesting concept. Here I was on the other side of the fence---usually I'm the one doing the styling! I was excited to see what she would put together for me
Say hello to stylist Elise. Her look is edgy as you can see!
First Elise selected a very stretchy and form fitting black dress, which although I liked paired with this leather jacket, was a bit too tight and constricting...I could barely breathe in it. However I liked where she was going. The leather jacket was fantastic and after trying on a few necklaces, this one felt the most like "me".
Then Elise did something very unexpected--she pulled out a sheer pleated skirt which she layered over the dress. Although I liked this look, again it wasn't the most comfortable and the pleats emphasized my "belly bulge" from a side view. Elise reassured me that it looked fine, but you know how it goes---when you are self-conscious about your body, it's tough to be convinced otherwise.
Even my husband Richard said "nope" when I turned side-ways.
But I LOVED the shoes! They were so chic and incredibly comfortable.
Unfortunately though, I missed the boat on these cuties because I didn't want to carry them around all day walking Montreal. We stopped at Delano on the way back to the hotel, but it was too late--they were closed. Ugh buyers remorse!
For those of you who know my understated and fairly classic style, going edgy was a leap for me. Part of the look felt great, but part of it felt like I was trying to be someone I'm not (and a lot younger than 53!). The morale of my story is to push yourself a bit out of your comfort zone. It's fun to try new looks and styles, but be true to who you are. If an outfit doesn't feel like "you" or isn't comfortable, it will probably sit in your closet unworn. We all have some of those mistakes, right?
- Tuesday, May 26, 2015
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Grab you passport, hop in the car and in just five hours (from the Boston area) you can be in the fabulous city of Montreal, Canada. My husband Richard and I are so taken with the city---we've been several times and we're already planning our next trip back. Every visit is unique and we always find new hotspots, stores, restaurants and beautiful sights to see. Here are a few of my favorite places from our recent long weekend in Montreal.
Food:
Europea This amazing restaurant is one of my all-time favorites. Inexpensive it's not, but so worth the splurge! Their "out of this world" creations are exquisite, both in taste and presentation. Each meal is a treat and truly a work of art. The chefs are masterful and there are always complimentary surprises to savour.
Right next to to Europea is a delightful little Italian restaurant called Bis. The owner dotes on each guest making sure everything is perfect. Our waiter was extremely attentive and the food was incredible. The little extra touches like complimentary meatballs to start things off, a basket of walnuts served after the meal for "digestion"and homemade biscotti's made the meal extra special. Our dinners were spot on---deliciously prepared, fresh and generous in portion. I love this warm and cozy restaurant!
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Food:
Europea This amazing restaurant is one of my all-time favorites. Inexpensive it's not, but so worth the splurge! Their "out of this world" creations are exquisite, both in taste and presentation. Each meal is a treat and truly a work of art. The chefs are masterful and there are always complimentary surprises to savour.
Like these goat cheese "lollipops" and gourmet popcorn served so elegantly
in a silver bowl filled with rice. What a fun way to start off a meal!
What would you expect to find inside a wooden box? A bit of smoke and a smoked
salmon appetizer of course!
I couldn't capture the smoke in the photo, but you get the idea!
For the main course, we ordered sea bass cooked in a hay pot with citrus.
It was SO good!!!
Desserts came out in bounds. Check out this creative cotton candy tree with individually wrapped treats hanging from the branches!
They sent us home with this delicious meringue and a "to go" box for stashing leftover desserts (which didn't last us long!).
Right next to to Europea is a delightful little Italian restaurant called Bis. The owner dotes on each guest making sure everything is perfect. Our waiter was extremely attentive and the food was incredible. The little extra touches like complimentary meatballs to start things off, a basket of walnuts served after the meal for "digestion"and homemade biscotti's made the meal extra special. Our dinners were spot on---deliciously prepared, fresh and generous in portion. I love this warm and cozy restaurant!
Bis has quite the "wall of fame"--many celebrities and sports players have visited!
Our favorite drinking establishment is F Bar---it's such a unique place to eat dinner or just sip a glass of Prosecco while people watching (as we did!).
In addition to great restaurants, Montreal also has amazing shopping. From Rue Ste-Catherine to the underground city (a plethora of stores and restaurants!) there is something for everyone. Here are some of my favorite picks...
On Rue Ste-Catherine I found a store called Roots which carries both men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories. I loved the down-to-earth vibe and the laid-back boho style. It's a fun store!
Roots has a fabulous selection of leather goods!
Although I walked out empty-handed, Richard bought a really great jacket. What's wrong here?
If you love designer pieces, you'll go crazy over Ursula B. From Escada to Jason Wu, there are so many amazing lines packed in this two story upscale boutique. On the second floor is a bargain shoppers paradise where you'll find great sales on designer pieces.
Are you drooling yet?
The old section of Montreal hosts a wide variety of boutiques, especially in the market area where the stores go on forever. Whatever your style, you'll find something you love here.
I loved all the bright colors!
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Also in the old section of the city is an amazing boutique called Delano Design Boutique I love the modern and beautiful look of this store and the eclectic mix of lines, including "mainstreamers" like Michael Kors, Sanctuary and Vince Camuto in addition to many local & unique designs. Their stylist Elise showed me some of her own bag creations! Love the versatility of this piece!
I kept looking at this stunning piece.
Stay tuned for a blog on my own styling session with Elise!
Now to unpack...
- Monday, May 25, 2015
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Many of my clients are unsure of how to wear distressed jeans--they're afraid of looking too young or like they're trying too hard. The trick for wearing the trend in an age appropriate way is to make the rest of your outfit more classic and toned down.
Choose a pair that has a moderate amount of detail...just a bit of the "ripped" look is all you need.
Choose a pair that has a moderate amount of detail...just a bit of the "ripped" look is all you need.
I love these very comfy cropped distressed jeans from J. Crew that have a relaxed fit--similar here. There is just right amount of ripping for me. I paired them with a striped knit tee from Ann Taylor Loft, which hits at the hip and has the perfect amount of looseness (without looking baggy).
I topped things off with a casual black jacket from New York and Co. I've had this inexpensive jacket for years and wear it constantly. Similar here.
An ankle strap flat sandal from Seychelles makes running around town easy on the feet.
Last summer I bought a few pairs from this line because of the comfort factor. Similar here and here
This Dolce Vita bucket bag has become my "go to'' casual bag. The bucket bag is in this season and works so well with weekend outfits.
Simple casual jewelry completes the look. Found this Lucky Brand ring at Lord and Taylor
for just $6.00! I love this one too.
Grab your sunglasses and you're off to run errands in style!
Have a great weekend everyone--I hope the sun comes out!
Is your wardrobe in need of some style inspiration?
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- Saturday, May 16, 2015
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Today I worked with Cathy, who just moved into a new home a few days ago. With all of her clothes in boxes, she was a bit overwhelmed and needed help figuring out the best way to set up her closet.
What a fabulous space! This closet has a window making it light and bright!
First we tackled the boxes. Cathy had packed everything up in cardboard wardrobe containers which made unpacking a breeze. I highly recommend these to anyone who is moving.
We switched over her plastic hangers to the slimline velvet variety that take up less space and keep clothes in tip-top shape (plus they look nicer!). I recommend buying hangers in the same color for a uniform look.
Before
During--notice the difference!
After--yay!
I sorted tops by type (for instance, sleeveless, blouses, sweaters, etc) and then by color. This system will make it so easy for Cathy to find what she's looking for.
We found this sweet "sentimental" piece ---it was a tee-shirt that Cathy's daughter had made for her almost 20 years ago! Awe....
And this little "gem" --now THAT'S a statement piece! I was happy to hear that it was part of a Halloween costume. Whew...
We folded Cathy's jeans, which she had always stored in her dresser (big no/no since you can't see what's at the bottom of the drawer) and then we sorted by wash and color (light wash, dark wash, black, white, etc). She likes this system so much better!
Cathy didn't have a use for this little chest so I put it in her closet to store flip-flops!
I just love a closet with a window---it makes the space so bright and more "room-like".
I had fun showing off some of Cathy's fabulous accessories.
Happy Cathy, happy closet, happy Fashion Coach!
- Friday, May 15, 2015
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