Outerwear 20-40-60

r- This red fall-to-winter transitional coat has the Little Red Riding Hood vibe doing on...and I like that! It's really warm and cozy but not to hot when I want to run out to the mall or do groceries. I like that the buttons are fastend through ribbons so I don't have to worry about losing a button. Paired it with my faux leather leggings (of course!) and my ballet flats. This kind of outdoor outfit makes me feel a little bit more excited that the chilly temperatures are here.

m- I have had my eye on a J. Crew herringbone vest for about a year. It was a little more than I wanted to pay for a seasonal item, so when I saw this one, I snapped it up (and got 40% off). It is very cozy and not too bulky. Paired with traditional stripes, jeans and riding boots, this outfit speaks to my preference for preppy classics.

k- I bought this trench coat several years ago when the hemline was longer. Since it is a classic style I invested in having the sleeves and hem line shortened.  It is perfect for the fall weather - rain or shine and requires little or no accessories.  Depending on whether I'm running errands, meeting friends for lunch or taking my grandson to the park I may add a printed scarf for colour or a hat.  Sunglasses are an indication that I didn't have time to put makeup on and I'm doing errands so don't get in my way... ha, ha.

60 something

40 something

20 something

Get the look...click below!

(P)leather leggings

r- SO CUTE! Every fashion magazine has these babies at the top of their fall wish list...and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a pair. However that being said I ran into a few obstacles along the way. I don't want to spend $300 on them and I don't want to buy the shiny, cheap looking pleather kind either. When M and I ordered these...we solved both of these issues. These (p)leather leggings look real and they didn't break the bank. Honestly if you don't have a pair yet....you NEED to buy these. Check out the blog for the exact pair M and I have...you will be soooo happy you did.
m- I love it when I find items that I wear again and again -that is the story with these leggings. I find them in rotation frequently because they are so comfortable and go with everything. I paired them with my must-have pieces for the season: chambray shirt, cream knit sweater and combat boots. I like the contradiction between a collared shirt and feminine jewellery and fake leather pants and a heavy boot -it so wrong and so right!

20 something

40 something

Budgeting/ Clothing Allowance

  Money is terrific and I love budgeting and saving more than anything else. I get pretty excited about the most mundane expenditures and love paying my bills. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and that I am in control of my financial future. Somewhat weird - I know.
I put money aside for family adventures, sports, education ,retirement, Christmas and birthdays. I like to set goals and work away on them, little by little. Where does fashion fit into this very practical way of living? It fits in everyday when I get dressed.

How much are most people spending?
  As part of my research for the blog, I have interviewed many readers and discussed how they plan their fashion expenditures. I was surprised to learn that most people don't set a budget, nor do they know exactly how much they have spent in a month.
  There was a time when I was the same. When the children were small, my only goal was to appear clean...that was it. I managed to shower regularly and do laundry. As time went on, I became aware that I had been in a baby-coma and a few things had happened - my children were really well dressed and fashion had changed. Where did skinny jeans, infinity scarves and leggings come from? I also noticed that my co-workers were born in the late eighties...
   So as an attempt to look current, I set a budget to bring me into the new decade. It was quite minimal at first and permitted haircuts and professional clothing only. It took quite awhile to build a wardrobe and I focused on blazers, pants and blouses. As time passed, I had a little more money to spend on myself and stretch out my purchases to include casual clothing.

Why set up a budget?
  It saves money. There is one caveat, sticking to it. If you want a more expensive item, wait until you have built up the funds. No buyer's remorse or paying for things months later.

Where to spend the funds?
  That depends on your interests. Try to do a cost per wear analysis and spend more money on the items that will see a lot of rotation. For me those are: boots, coats, purses and skin care. I spend less on trend items and accessories..

How much?
  It is important to be realistic. What can you afford and be comfortable spending? Try setting a budget and seeing if it makes a difference. Even a small budget of $25 maybe just enough to get a scarf and brighten up your day without breaking the bank. A thoughtful, larger budget may end up saving money and avoid impulse buys and keeping your money set aside for other things.

Try it and let me know what you think!

m

Sensitive Skin

Skin Journey - Day 1:

So by now you have all read about M's at home skin experiment..pretty exciting right? Well the excitement continues. Today marks the first day of my own personal journey to what every woman wants....the perfect skin. M and I have very different skin needs so our journeys will be completely individual.

I have extremely sensitive skin and I have to be so careful about what I use because I am prone to breakouts. I am pretty sure that I have tried every product out there to help with my sensitive skin and I shudder to think of the money I have spent! I have a great feeling about this new product that I am trying tonight...and I can't wait to share it with all of you! I cannot believe I am sharing a "makeup-less"picture with the internet world but I feel like this is for the greater good of all women! Here is my picture marking the first day on the road to the perfect skin.

Here we go :)

Thanksgiving dinner outfits

r - needs stretchy pants

Wrinkles

Happy Birthday to me!

m - It's my birthday! I love this day! I have been gifted with so many blessings and am so happy to celebrate another year passing and reflecting on the wonderful people in my life and opportunities that have been presented to me.
With that being said, physical ageing is on my mind. I have spent a lot of time laughing and some time stressed and it has been reflected in my face. So with this in mind, I began my search for a needle-free, affordable skincare regime that will guarantee results. So, today I received my regime in the mail and begin day 1 of my home based experiment. I have a few prerequisites:
1. It has to be something I can maintain. I will not be going through a seven step process- I just do not have the time or interest.
2. It must be affordable - I have bills to pay. My mortgage is more important than skincare.
3. It must have a sunscreen within the program - I am high risk for skin cancer.
4. It must be readily available - got that covered, it was delivered to my home.
5. Oh yeah - it has to work. I want my skin to have a smoother ,flawless, more radiant look. Judging from the photos, things are worse than I thought!

I did not think that I would ever post a make-up free picture on the Internet! So here I go, this me on my journey. Ugg...

Boots

r- Knee high boots? hmm...when this trend first came out, I was a little hesitant, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman anyone? Then I came across these pair at the Bay and fell in love. My sister looked at me like I was crazy but I wasn't willing to walk out of the store without them. I fell in love with the colour of this tunic and thought it was perfect for fall. My wonderful friend M, allowed me to borrow her brown tagua bead necklace and brown belt. Love it!
m- High boots - everybody's got'em and they are not going anywhere -another season and I could not be happier about that. These faux leather leggings are my favourite trend piece this fall. I pair them with everything and like the seamless look when tucked into a tall, riding boot. The scarf was not intended to be over my shoulder, but I had been out for a walk with my dog and am a little disheveled.

20 something

40 something

shop r & m's look (similar):