Dress Up

I live in a small city in a very rural province. It is not uncommon to go to a wedding or expensive event and see men and women wearing their best jeans. Our little city is getting better as the east and west coast trends drift to our central location. The bling trend has definitely hit our city hard.

I am so lucky to work at a job where I am expected and want to be dressed up for the events I attend. Because I work at a dress boutique I can often get away with being over dressed.

2008

I wore this dress almost 5 years ago on new years eve. I had just turned 19 a few months before and bought this for my birthday present. At the time I felt like it was so expensive and special as it was made in America. I just loved it!

2010

Sorry I don't have a very good photo of this gown but I wanted to share it. This piece was a huge deal to me. It is from a designer that is made in Canada--which I love--and after I wore it I saw it in a ton of magazines. It was also the first gown I wore since my high school graduation.

2011

I love, love, love Arthur Mendonca!!!!! This was my second cocktail dress designed by him. I had appropriate shoes but as I was working back stage at a fashion show I did not want to risk wearing them.

2011

This was my first ever Arthur Mendonca dress. I have worn it probably over 15 times. It is all silk and so versatile. The green snake skin bag is by Hunter and was a gift from my best friend. She brought it back from Greece and was in a nasty cat fight for it!

2011

I try to avoid wearing black as often as possible to events because I find that it doesn't stand out. Working at the store I have found that many women choose black because they feel uncomfortable being so "flashy". When I look back at photos I feel that black looks dumpy when everyone is wearing it. 

2012

I pulled this photo from a local magazines website City Slicker. This guy I am standing with is was so sweet. He approached me asking if he could take a photo of my dress for his blog because he loved it. I felt a little uncomfortable as I knew this dress would not photograph well. It is so beautiful in person with it's delicate bead work and very low back. However, because it is not fitted I find that in photos I look a lot bigger than I am.

To avoid going the tacky route when I get dressed up I avoid jewellery and over doing my hair and makeup. If I had a week to get ready for an event I would use every second of that time. However it usually only takes me less than an hour to get everything done

Queen V

A good friend of a friend started a brave new venture that I think many girls would be envious of... she opened a beautiful boutique called Queen V!

Thursday night I was lucky enough to help open the little boxes of treasures and preview the store before all my friends.

(photo taken from local photographer Carey Shaw's instgram)

I was also lucky enough to claim a few awesome pieces while helping to set up the store. This delicate gold cross bracelet belonged to me the moment I found out about it.

 Obsessed with this dress!!!! I wore it to work on Friday with my Frye boots, then to the opening of Queen V and then to my boyfriends show later that night.

 Yummy champagne and cupcakes at Queen V's party!

(photo taken from local photographer Carey Shaw's instgram)

Where I live the closest Zara, H&M, Forever 21--or any other normal store a 20 something year-old girl would shop at--are a 7 hour drive away. The opening of a new boutique in my little city is a huge deal and accomplishment. Congratulations to Queen V!!!! 

Shoes

I know how shallow this sounds but shoes can totally change my mood. If I'm having a "ugly" day I can throw on a fabulous pair of shoes and feel unreal. 

My go to's when I'm traveling are my classic Chucks. So comfy, always in style and go with everything.

 I get made fun of for my hot pink Nikes but I'm obsessed! Whenever I am having a tough time working out I look at my feet and smile.

 I love these leopard print flats. They add some pizazz to my lets face it, sometimes boring work clothes.

 I picked up these strappy flat platforms for $10 at Urban Outfitters this summer. My brother HATES them but I think they're rad. 

 Did anyone hit up the Nine West sale a few weeks ago? These little gems were calling my name from the parking lot! 

And finally... one of most treasured pairs of Frye boots. These amazing numbers set me back a little bit but I love them and will wear them all fall.

I would never sacrifice comfort for style with my shoes. Your feet are such an important part of your body to keep healthy. I would hate to be one of those women who has to stop wearing heels in their 30's because of feet, leg or back pains.

Toronto

Ever just need a break from school/ work/ life? I love to escape whenever I get a chance. Last November I needed a break bad so I booked a trip to Toronto on a whim to visit a good friend, attend some concerts and of course shop!

My friends beautiful downtown condo view.

 Zara skirt, Stuart Wietzman boots and Kate Spade bag.

Lana Del Rey

My friend in one of the matching skirts we picked up together and Jeffery Campbell shoes.

In our front row seats we scored for Fiest. I wore one of my most prized Arthur Mendonca dresses.

We ended up dancing on stage with Fiest all night!

 

I feel like I was away all summer and so unfortunately will not be jetting off to visit my friends any time soon :( Hopefully within the new year I will be off trekking around again.

Orlando

End of July and I just found out that I'm going to Orlando to preview the new Disney Forever Enchanted Collection, Xcite and Xtreme graduation dresses.

I arrived at the Peabody Orlando and was so happy/ surprised with my room. My view was unreal!!!

 

The fashion show was early in the morning which was nice as it left me with the rest of the day to explore the city.

Usually at the fashion shows we attend for suppliers we get cute swag bags. In this one was a adorable Snow White T-shirt.

The show was totally lovely. So many sparkles and surprises! One special dress is going to be on the cover of Seventeen Prom magazine. 

The chandeliers in the room where the fashion show was held were so incredible.

The best part of the hotel? The march of the ducks!!! So cute!

Hopefully next year I can attend the Cancun shows!

California

The bridal store I work for is fortunate enough to receive invites from various designers to come preview their new collections. This past June I was asked to travel to California to preview the 2013 Enzoani collections. 

After a long flight and taxi ride I finally arrived at the Newport Marriott. The Enzoani staff was nice enough to provide us with manicures and massages when we arrived at the hotel. I chose OPI’s Strawberry Margarita.

The morning of the fashion shows I lounged around the hotel and shopped at Fashion Island. I decided to treat myself to a mimosa and greasy cheeseburger

After a bit of shopping and over eating I got changed to go to the black and white party that Enzoani was throwing in a secret location... The St. Regis! I swear I have never been anywhere where I felt more wealthy.

I chose a white dress from Zara and a Hinge pashmina I picked up at Nordstrom’s the morning of.  

 

The courtyard where we enjoyed cocktails and hung out before supper and the fashion show was so beautiful and smelled amazing.

The pretty little details and fresh flowers Enzoani located all around the hotel were such nice little surprises. 

The fashion show was beautiful. Dozens of models walked down the St. Regis stairs showcasing some beautiful designs. 

 Photo taken from Enzoani website.

 Photo taken from Enzoani website.

Photo taken from Enzoani website.

 Photo taken from Enzoani website.

The after party was so much fun. I danced all night and I swear my feet were literally bleeding!!! 

 Photo taken from Enzoani website.

This year was so much fun I can only hope to attend next year.