Month: February 2018

Spring Trend: Black and White

by mandimlee, posted in fashion

I know Spring is often all about colour and florals, but there is something about a classic black and white look that is so Spring to me.

 

I love a head to toe black and white look, especially when you pair it with a pop of colour – maybe a coral lip or yellow shoe.  But black and white pieces are so versatile that they look great with colour as well.  I tend to stick to pale colours and neutrals when looking for something to pair with a statement black and white piece with.

A few of my favourite black and white pieces are below.  All under $100.  And all from Zara.

Houndstooth Jacket

This I love.  Its a classic print and this fit will never go out of style..  And it’s only $100. This would look great with a head to toe black and white look – perhaps with a pearl embellished tee and a pair of skinny cropped ankle pants for the office.  But it would also look cute dressed down with a little colour – maybe a pair of distressed denim and a pale pink tee.

Click image to shop or click here. 

zara black and white houndstooth jacket

 

Embroidered blouse

I would wear this with a more casual look, maybe a pair of distressed black denim shorts and black buckled ankle boots (something like this).

Click the image to shop or click here.

zara black and white blouse with embroidery

 

Back and White Ruffled Blouse

The piping on this blouse is so classic. It’s pretty structured on top but the ruffle on the bottom is a fun and flirty detail, making it one of those pieces that you can wear into the office or with denim on the weened.

Click the image to shop or click here.

zara black and white blouse

 

Side Stripe Pencil Skirt

I haven’t ordered this skirt yet but it is taking all of my willpower not to order it.  By the time I am done this blog post I am sure it will be in my cart.

Not only do I love black and white, but I love a midi pencil skirt – so classic.  This would look cool with the houndstooth jacket above or to make it a little more casual wear it with a knotted denim shirt.

Click the image to shop or click here. 

side strip black and white pencil skirt

 

Side Stripe Pants

These pants would also look great with the houndstooth jacket or a white or grey tee and a longline black vest.  OR to dress them down, a graphic tee would look cool with a distressed denim jacket.  Also they would look so cute with a pair of white ankle boots.

Click the image to shop or click here. 

side stripe black and white pants

 

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

 

 

 

Shoe Diaries: Pearly Flat Mules

by mandimlee, posted in fashion

I love shoes.  Like really love them.  Before babies I wore heels all the time.  I would suffer for a great pair of heels.  My poor feet.  Now that I am carrying a baby on my hip and chasing a two year old round, I have come to terms with the fact that I need something more sensible.  So its been fun, albeit challenging,  to find a new shoe wardrobe that marries comfort (or at least more comfortable than a 4 inch pair of heels) and fashion.

And I know I am not alone in this challenge so every week I am going to share a pair of shoes that are both fashionable and functional and a few ways to style them.  This first week I am going to share a pair that I ordered from Zara last week.  And they were only $40.

Click the image to shop or click here.

zara pearly slides

Continue reading “Shoe Diaries: Pearly Flat Mules” →

Spring Trend: Florals

by mandimlee, posted in fashion

Okay so I am in full on Spring mode – I’ve started my Spring cleaning, Spring clothes have come out of storage and most importantly I have started my Spring shopping.  For me, shopping for florals, bright colours and lighter fabrics is my way of keeping those Winter blues at bay for these last few long weeks.  And I thought I might as well share.  So over the next few weeks I am going to share different spring trends and my top picks for each trend.  Many of which will likely be either in my closet already or in the mail.

Week 1:  Florals

I mean its Spring, so of course florals are a trend.  But this season I am loving the bright colours  and large graphic prints.  And you really don’t need to wait for Spring to start wearing florals, they totally work layered with your warm winter knits (read more about Winter to Spring transition pieces).

 

Continue reading “Spring Trend: Florals” →

My Fav Postpartum Denim

by mandimlee, posted in fashion

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is hard, especially after you’ve had a baby or two.  A few months after I had my second and had lost most of the baby weight I decided it was time to wear something other than leggings.  I was going to buy new jeans.  While I had  lost alot of the baby weight, my body was just different; specifically it was rounder in the middle (still working on that).  So I was on the hunt for jeans that would help slim my tummy.  And I didn’t want to spend alot because I knew my body would continue to change over the new few months.  So my budget was <$100.

I took me alot of try ons but I finally found a few pairs that I love.

BTW -the  best way to try on denim is to order online in a few sizes and try them on in the comfort of your own home.  Same applies to bathing suits.

Continue reading “My Fav Postpartum Denim” →

Three Styling Options for Day 2, or Day 5, Hair

by mandimlee, posted in fashion

half up top knot

Lets be real, who wants to wash their hair everyday, or every other day for that matter.  My hair is thick and curly (not the nice curls, the frizzy ones) so washing and styling takes at least an hour. The wash is easy enough, but then there’s the brushing, oh how I hate to brush out all the tangles.  Even with my @thewetbrush it’s still an ordeal.  And then comes the blow dry which takes forever because I have to smooth it out in such small sections.  Finally,  if time permits,  I flat iron the ends and use a curling wand for loose beachy waves.

Needless to say I hate washing and styling my hair so I try to do it every 4-5 days, or longer if it’s not too uncomfortable.  And I hate the way dry shampoo feels so I need to get a little creative with my styling to hide my greasy roots. And as much as we all love a top knot, I am just not feeling it these days, so here are a few alternatives.

Continue reading “Three Styling Options for Day 2, or Day 5, Hair” →

Say Goodbye to Dull Winter Skin

by mandimlee, posted in fashion

The Winter has wreaked havoc on my skin.  It feels dry no matter how much moisturizer I apply (yes, I know I need to drink more water) and it just feels dull.  So I went on a mission to track down some products that will help give my skin that well rested, youthful, dewy glow.  And since I have been hoarding my Shoppers Optimum Points, I decided I would start at BeautyBoutique.ca where I knew I could redeem my points.

What I love about shopping at BeautyBoutique.ca is that I can take my time researching products instead of feeling pressured in store to buy what the sales associate has recommended.  And if I am unsure on something I can always go into a Shoppers Drugmart to sample out the product before I buy online.

Here are a few of the items I bought that I love.

Continue reading “Say Goodbye to Dull Winter Skin” →