fashion – Ruffles and Rubies

The Perfect Early Fall Shoe: Leopard Mules

August 20, 2018August 20, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

I have been on the hunt for leopard mules for Fall. They are such a great early Fall piece. I mean nothing says Fall more than animal print. And as much as I love booties, we have ALL Winter to wear them, so I like to take advantage of the warmer weather in Sept/Oct to keep wearing my mules.

And leopard is so versatile. It looks great with a basic button up shirt and a pair of cropped black pants or even a pair of subtly checked pants would look cute with leopard. And of course they look amazing with denim and over-sized knits (maybe a mustard or any shade of brown/nude).

Here are a few of the pairs I am coveting, prices all between $100-$200.

1. 1State Leopard Mules. Nordstrom. I love the slit on these. I always lean toward mules that are higher cut on the foot because they stay on better. But a higher cut tends to shorten your leg slightly so the slit on these helps show a little more foot and lengthen you leg. I think these are the ones that I am going to get.

2. Caslon Leopard Mules With Leather Strap. Nordstrom. I love the leather strap on these,

3. Louise et Cie Bow Detail Leopard Mules. Nordstrom. I love these and was so ready to buy them but I have to be honest I have a narrow foot and they were hard to keep on my foot when I walked. But that’s not to say they aren’t a great a shoe and wont fit someone else’s foot.

4. Matisse Leopard Mules. I love the cut-out detail on these which also makes them perfect to wear next Spring/Summer too.

5. Cole Haan Leopard Mules. These are a little more of a splurge, close to $200, but they are such a classic shoe.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

What To Wear For A Girls Night Out. When You Are 40.

July 30, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

Someone recently asked me for some tips on what to wear to a 40th birthday celebration in NYC. At first I thought it was an easy enough question but it got me thinking about some of the style changes I have gone through in the years leading up to this milestone birthday. Of course you want to look and feel fabulous at 40 but fabulous now probably looks and feels alot different than it did 10 years ago.

Sure, you want pieces that are fashionable and trendy but ultimately it’s about knowing what you look and feel good in, knowing what areas of your body you are comfortable showing off and what you maybe want to conceal. And sticking to it. There is nothing worse than buying some trendy piece that just doesn’t work for your body type – it either sits in your closet unworn, or you wear it and end up fidgeting with it and feeling less than fabulous all night long.

Anyhow, I have included a few different ideas for inspiration below.

LOOK #1: Lingerie Inspired Camis

A really cute look for a girls night out is a lingerie inspired cami. Because these tops are so bare on top, I often like to cover up my bottom half a little more.. I love wearing a pretty cami with distressed denim and pair of mules. Plus the cami is a great layering piece as we move into Fall to wear with a cardigan. Here are a few camis I am loving right now, all under $50.

BTW I typically wear my camis with a pretty bralette with thin straps, because I just can’t deal with a strapless bra.

1. TopShop Scallop Cami. Nordstrom| It comes in pink and white too but I love this yellow colour. And its only $25.

2. Button Down Cami. TopShop at The Bay | This will be a perfect layering piece for Fall/Winter and its only $38.

3. Pleated Lace Cami. The Bay. | This clearance find at $26 is so pretty with the pleating and ruffle detail.

4. Striped Lace Trim Cami. Zara | $40 | This would also look great under a black blazer with either denim of leather pants.

5. Lingerie Inspired Tank. Zara. $50 | the lace and the shape on this is so feminine.

LOOK #2: Bow Tie Shorts

I also love wearing a pair of shorts with heels (love an ankle strap) for a night out. Right now there are so many cute high waisted shorts with bow tie belts which are really flattering. You can pair them with a body suit if you want a more fitted look on top, but I often like to wear a looser top tucked in just at the front – its more comfortable especially for a night out when food is involved.

1. Mustard Shorts Paperbag Shorts. Zara. $40 | This colour would look beautiful with a blue and white striped tee. And I would wear it with these mustard coloured bow mules. I love a monochromatic look.

2. Vegan Leather Shorts. Shopbop | $120. Bit a of a splurge but I’ve had my faux leather shorts (similar pair) for 3 years now, maybe 4, and I still wear them often. And they are great to wear into Fall with a pair of booties.

3. Striped Paper Bag Shorts. Zara. $40 |I wear these all the time. I have a horizontal striped tee with ruffle sleeves that I love to wear with these. And for a night out I throw on a pair of yellow heels. I love blue and yellow together.

There is also a similar pair at The Bay for $30 on clearance.

4. Checked Paperbag Shorts. Nordstrom.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

Currently Crushing On: Yellow

July 25, 2018July 30, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

yellow header

I have always loved the colour yellow. In fact, I looked for months to find my the perfect yellow dress for my school prom. I may even still have it – more than 20 years later. But yellow isn’t just for summer ladies, it’s actually a great colour to wear into Fall. Just add a pair of brown booties and a cardi.

Here are some of my fav yellow pieces right now. And I am sure in the coming months as stores stock up on Fall gear, I will have more yellow to share.

1. Wrap Midi Dress. Nordstrom. |This dress is such a beautiful shape and would be so flattering. It looks great with a nude pair of heels as pictured, but you could also add a little edge with black booties.

2. Square Toe Pumps with Block Heel. Zara | Such a classic shape with the square toe and block heel. And only $80.

3. Leather Slingbacks. Zara | I haven’t worn slingbacks since the eighties, but these feel so right.

4. Mules With Bow Detail. Zara | Cant beat a pair of shoes for less than $50. This mustard shade of yellow looks amazing with jeans.

5. Straight Cut Blazer. Zara. | I love this muted yellow to wear with denim. And this is less than $50.

6. TopShop Cropped Pants. Nordstrom. Only $50.

7. Off The Should Eyelet Dress. Zara | Add a jean jacket or a cozy cardi and a pair of booties (like these) and this dress will take you well into Fall.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

Nordstrom Canada Anni Sale 2018

July 20, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

I know everybody and their sister is talking about the Nordtrom Anniversary Sale right now on social media so I thought I would share a slightly different take. Lets be honest, Nordstrom Canada does not have a great online shopping experience. Mostly due to the large fees for shipping and customs/handling. But they do have some nice things and the Anniversary Sale is a great opportunity to invest in some Fall pieces at great prices. But it requires heading to the actual store if you want a deal.

So these are few Nordstom Canada Sale picks that I actually found in store. A couple things to note: 1) you can’t always find the things online in the stores in Canada and 2) the pricing online is often different in store.

I went to the Yorkdale store on early access day a couple days ago and here are some of the items I found. As you can see I was most excited by the shoes. Although with an 11 month old in tow, I also didn’t have hours to browse the clothing section so its likely I may have passed over some nice things. Either way its worth a trip to the store.

1. BP Motto Leggings. $31. I had been eyeing these leggings since last Winter so I was pleased to see they were part of the sale. And I was even more pleased when I tried them on. They fit awesome, similar to SPANX in terms of the rise, but not as much compression. But still they do a great job at sucking it all in. I would totally wear these postpartum. They are more olive green than the pic which makes then appear really brown. They come in black too.

2. SPANX Faux Leather Leggings. If you are in the market for some new faux leather leggings, the SPANX ones are awesome. I got these last year at the Anni Sale and they were a lifesaver for me postpartum. I forget the price I saw them at instore but I think they were less than $100.

3. Vince Camuto Slingbacks. $120. I also fell in love with these slingbacks. They have such a cool retro feel. I didn’t buy them because they were a little loose around the ankle on me for some reason but I have really narrow feet.

4. Louise Et Cie Leopard Bow Slides. $120. These mules were also so cute on. I love the oversized bow. If I had endless budget and more space in my shoe closet I would have brought these home as well.

5. Treasure And Bond White Studded Mules. $99. I can’t wait to wear these in the Fall with girlfriends jeans and a checked blazer.

6. Chuck Taylor Shoreline Sneakers. $50. Okay I totally didn’t need another pair of sneakers, but these were only $50 and the light blush colour is so cute. So I had to. I didn’t see these online but they were in store. No idea if they are still in store though.

7. Vince Camuto Booties. $145. I came home with these booties. Super comfortable but now I am on the fence about whether to keep them or not. I definitely need a pair brown booties BUT I have seen so many bloggers talk about these and I hate when I have the same stuff as everyone else.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

$20 Strappy Midi Dress

July 15, 2018July 15, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

One of my absolute fav dresses to wear this summer has been this strappy midi dress. And it was only $20 on Amazon. The buttons aren’t functional, but I am okay with that. And for you breasfeeding moms, the straps are stretchy enough that you can just pull them down to feed your babe. And it has pockets, one of my fav features. Well aside from the fact that it’s only $20.

I added a belt to dress it up a little for my mini photo shoot with my little. But it looks great without a belt and a fair of sandals or flats.

The dress also comes in over 20 other prints and colours. I love the tropical print for Summer but I just ordered the green too. I thought it would be great for the Fall with a cardi. Some of my fav colours/prints are linked below. But if you click through to the site you can see more.

BTW, I went with a medium so I would say it fits true to size. Maybe size up if you are really busty. Also the fabric is thin and unlined so if you get a white you might want to consider a light slip underneath.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

1. Green 2. Pink Stripes 3. Yellow Floral 4. Grey Stripes 5. Blue Stripes 6. Tropical

Summer Sale Round Up: Weekend Wear

June 29, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

Last summer sale round up for the week. Wow, all these sale round ups involved alot of online shopping. I mean there could be worse things I suppose…… Although it has been hard to not buy EVERYTHING.

This post covers off weekend wear wear. Play dates or hot dates, I included it all. Personally my days are mostly full of play dates but I love a date night outfit. So usually I am just a little overdressed at the park. Don’t judge.

And if you are looking for more sales, check out my round ups for dresses, work wear, shoes and jackets.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

1. Off The Should Striped Peplum Top. The Bay | $37

2. One Shoulder Bow Tie Shirt. J.Crew. |$30 | This is my favourite find from the sales. The colour, the bow, and the price tag. Perfect date night top.

3. Grey Ruffle Sleeve Tee. Forever 21 | $30 | I love a basic tee with a ruffle. This works with a basic pair of shorts or can be dressed up and tucked into a pair of trousers for the office.

4. Mid Length Denim CutOffs. American Eagle Outfitters | $40 | I have these and they are the perfect length if you want a little more coverage. I always size up at least 1 size with American Eagle shorts. I prefer my shorts a little looser. I went with a 10 and I am normally a 6.

These are actually the shorts I DIYed a side stripe onto. See the tutorial here.

5. Studded Gladiator Sandals. American Eagle | $18 | I have these shoes in the nude and they are really comfortable. I wear them almost everyday actually. Anyways the nude is sold out but they are on sale now in the black. Which I have just order because they are $18! Just size up at least a half size with these. I ordered a 9 and am normally an 8.5

6. Button Striped Midi Skirt. American Eagle Outfitters | $26 | This has a matching crop top too if you like that look but it would also look great with a simple knotted white tee.

7. High Rise Bow Tie Shorts. J. Crew | $70 | These would work for the office but I was thinking these would be cute for date night with a pair of heels and maybe a floral tee. These come in black and blush too.

8. Striped Midi Dress With Buttons. Urban Outfitters | $50 | A great dress for these hot summer days.

9. Vince Camuto Green Eyelet Dress. Nordstrom | $115 | The colour on this is so beautiful. And pockets. Yes please.

10. Distressed Denim Shorts. American Eagle Outfitters | $54 | Size up if you want a more relaxed fit. At least one size. I typically go up two sizes in denim shorts.

11. Gingham Embroidered Shorts. Zara | $19 |

12. Free People Red Striped Wrap Mini. The Bay | $31 | This is a thicker fabric so might be a little hot in the summer. This would be a fab early Fall skirt with an oversized knit.

13. Free People Distressed Denim Mini. The Bay| $50 |

Summer Sale Round Up: For The Office

June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

summer sale round up office

Summer sales are a great time to invest in some new pieces for your office wardrobe. Many pieces are versatile enough to wear through multiple seasons but many companies have a more relaxed policy when it comes to dress codes so office wear is so much more relaxed than it used to be which means many of the pieces work through the weekend as well.

Here are some of my favorite office appropriate pieces – on sale right now.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

1. Blush Asymmetrical Blazer. TopShop At The Bay | $66 | You can never have too many blazers because they aren’t just for the office anymore, they are a great layering piece for your casual wardrobe too. Pair this with a tee and denim and it’s the perfect weekend look.

2. Madewell Floral Blouse. Nordstrom. $55 |The print on this blouse is so perfect. Of course it works with jeans as pictured, but I love this with a pair of striped pants for the office (see 9).

3. Striped Peplum Blouse. The Bay | $37 |The shape of this blouse is so easy to wear and flattering. Plus its back and white which is a great neutral.

4. Gingham Wrap Blouse. J. Crew | $53

5. Floral Ruched Tee. Nordstrom | $50 | This tee would be perfect tucked into a pair of high waisted pants and it would look great with a creme pleated midi as well.

6. Oversized Blazer in Rust. Nordstrom | $60 |The colour on this is so beautiful. And the oversized fit is so comfortable.

7. Striped Crossover Pants. J. Crew |$58 | Sometimes you just want to wear the softest silk pants.

8. Checked Wide Leg Bow Front Trousers. J. Crew | $60 |

9. Striped High Rise Trousers. TopShop at Nordstrom |$47 | These are my all time favourite, These would looked great with a horizontal striped tee or a floral tee (see 5).

10 Yellow Pleated Trousers. Nordstrom | $54. Oh how I covet a pair of yellow trousers. These are a great statement piece. Pair them with a white tee for an understated look or go bold with a floral blouse. Or a black and white striped blazer would be gorgeous paired with this as well.

11. Donna Karan Pleated Midi. The Bay | $77 | A pleated midi is a wardrobe staple that will take you through the whole year. Pair it with a light weight tee for the summer, add a jean jacket and booties in the fall and in the winter layer on an oversized knit.

12. High Waisted Checked Shorts. Zara| $40 | The perfect pair of office appropriate shorts.

Summer Sale Round Up: Shoes

June 23, 2018June 25, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

My favourite – shoes. I hate paying full price for shoes, probably because there is never a point in time when I actually NEED shoes. So when I wait for a sale, its way easier to justify another pair.

So I have scoured the internet, literally I spent hours, looking for the cutest styles at the best prices to share. Most are close to 50% off. How can you say no? It has taken alot of willpower to not fill my own shopping carts. Well except for three pairs.

So here they are – some of my favourite pairs – ALL on sale.

And to shop more summer sale round ups, click here for dresses and here for jackets.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

summer sale round up shoes header.png

Gingham Strappy Sandal. DSW | $30 | You can’t beat this price. This would be the perfect shoe to lighten up a little black dress.
Cap Toe Ivory Pumps. Town Shoes | $130 |These are a little more of a splurge but they are classic and can be worn year round. LOVE these. I have an identical pair from Zara and I wear them with everything – skinny black pants, distressed denim, leather shorts. And the low block heel makes them super comfortable.
Rebecca Minkoff Studded Slingback. Town Shoes | $115 | These would be the perfect work shoe. Fashionable, classic and comfortable.
Vince Camuto Studded Leather Pumps. The Bay | $150 | Love the ankle detail on these.
Sam Edelman Black and White Striped Mules. The Bay | $90 | These would be a great shoe for an all black look. SOLD OUT. SORRY.
Floral Embellished Pumps. Town Shoes | $77 | A stunning special occasion shoe. If I had seen these 10 years ago, they definitely would have been my wedding shoes. Beautiful detail.
Grey Espadrille Wedge. DSW | $62 | These come in black, but the grey is so nice for Summer and would work into Fall.
Vince Camuto Strappy Multi Colour Sandals. The Bay | $117 | Also great for a special occasion, love the colours and tassel ties.
Calvin Klein Nude Embellished Mules. The Bay | $105 | A great neutral shoe for summer. Perfect for the office.
Floral Pumps. Aldo | $35 | I had to get these. They are such a cute substitute for a nude shoe because a light floral pattern like this goes with pretty much everything. They would look so good with stripes or a pair of girlfriends jeans.
Sam Edelman Ankle Strap Sandals. Town Shoes | $103 | These come in black too but the pink…….love the pink. The different shades of pink work so well together.
Rebecca Minkoff Gold Bow Mules. Town Shoes | $100 | Metallic is another great neutral, these are so easy to dress up or down.
1 State Black Leather Wedge Mules. Town Shoes | $90 | The shape of these shoes is so classic yet so so right now.
Nude Studded Loafers. Aldo | $37 | Wardrobe stable – classic loafers.
Rosegold Slides. Aldo| $20 | Beach shoes.
Karl Lagerfeld Metallic Ruffle Mules. The Bay | $63 | I ordered these too, I had been eyeing them for a few months so I think it was meant to be…..
1 State Studded White Loafers. Town Shoes | $95 | I love a white shoe, this loafer would be great with an all black work outfit and also with distressed denim for a more casual look.
Sam Edelman Studded Leather Slides. The Bay | $87 | The perfect weekend shoe to wear with you denim cut offs and would look cute with a maxi dress.
Lucky Brand Camo Mules. Nordstrom | $65 | I love all things camo. I just do.
Blue Gingham Double Bow Slides. The Bay | $60 ” The blue gingham pattern is so cute on these. And the bows. So feminine. Love.

Summer Sale Round Up: Jackets

June 22, 2018June 25, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

Next up in the summer sale round up is jackets. I love waiting for jackets to come on sale because they are typically a more expensive item. And who doesn’t love a deal. Most of these jackets are close to 50% off. And while they may not be a go to for these hot summer days, thee jackets will be perfect for Fall layers (yes I went there, sorry) and also great for those chilly AC office environments.

And if you are looking for dresses, be sure to check out the summer dress sales here.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi

summer sale round up jackets insta

1. Linen Coat With Shoulder Detail. Zara | $60 | This one is over 50% off.

2. Textured Pink Long Blazer. Zara | $60 | Also over 50% off. This is so cute for the office. It would look great with a pair of red pants. Or denim if you want a more casual look. I am not usually very into pink, but I love a pink jacket.

3. Belted Checked Coat. TopShop at The Bay | $96 | I love how the print brings structure to this jacket but the belt tie keeps it casual and flowy.

4. Textured Checked Trench. TopShop at The Bay | $96

5. Green Duster Jacket. TopShop at Nordstrom | $76 | I have to have this. This is an amazing colour. Its so classic. I think the Queen wears a coat this colour, just saying.

6. Yellow Oversized Blazer. Zara | $60 | This colour makes me happy.

7. Sidestripe Trench. TopShop at The Bay | $81 | This modern take on the trench coat has great side stripe detail on the sleeves. SOLD OUT. SORRY.

8. Blush Asymmetric Oversized Blazer. TopShop at The Bay | $66 | You can’t go wrong with blush, it goes with pretty much everything.

9. Rust Oversized Blazer. Nordstrom | $60 | This is great colour too, sort of unexpected for blazer. And the fit on this is o perfect.

Summer Sale Round up: Dresses

June 21, 2018June 25, 2018 by mandimlee, posted in fashion

It’s spring and summer sale time ladies. There are so many beautiful pieces at great prices right now.

Over the next week I am going to round up all my fav sale pieces, including shoes, dresses, outerwear, accessories and more. Basically all the things I wish were in my closet, at prices that I would be willing to pay. But this girl only has so much closet space and a mat leave bank account. I am going to start with dresses but check back daily as I will publish something new each day. Or sign up for email below to be alerted when a new post is published.

Happy Shopping

♥ mandi