Books about Style

I'm pretty boring in terms of my style. I like clothing that is black, cream, white, polka dotted, gingham, or plaid. And turtlenecks. God, I have a lot of turtlenecks. However, there are some things that I own and that are whimsically colourful. And I love them!
This observation led me to enquire about my own style and what style is in general. Because I have no idea.

I thought about going a bookstore and reading some fashion magazines, you know, like Vogue or something. However, reflecting on my fashion magazine experiences in the past, I never came out with more than 5 pages of dogeared pages from these types of magazines. And stuff was always expensive and/or difficult to find locally. How very unsatisfying. And inefficient.

With a little help with the intrawebs, I found several books that I thought could help me.

The Pocket Sylist by Kendall Farr
The Lucky Guide to Mastering any Style by Kim France and Andrea Linett
The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia
Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design by Danielle LaPorte and Carrie McCarthy

They all were excellent and each had their own perspective on the topic of style. I won't summarize them here (you can check out Amazon or Chapters reviewers for that, the Kindle app also lets you download free samples of some of them too).
But now what? Where do I find similar pieces featured in the books? This will be topic of future posts.

I'm back! To Joe Fresh I go?

Yikes, I haven't posted anything since 2007!
I plan on going to Joe Fresh today after work. I finish work at 10pm and the Superstore on Don Mills and Lawrence closes at 11pm. Will I make it?

This top is pretty cute. On page 19 of this week's flyer, there's a $10 off $50 of Joe Fresh apparel coupon. Expires April 15, 2010.

This is probably what will go down: I will be frazzled by closing and not even want to go. This is the reality of work. Will update you later.

40% off French Connection

Starting today and all this weekend French Connection is having a 40% off regular price items. Nice, huh? I went to the Eaton Centre to check it out, but didn't get anything. Nothing too special and nothing I really wanted or needed. There were tons of people and the line up to pay was pretty long, but still, nothing. I am so proud of myself! I am slowly losing interest in shopping. I have decided it would probably be better to chill on the buying of the clothing. Sure, I love this coat! But it would look too boxy on me I think. I am not a box. And she looks like she's in a beaver costume.

In a way, it's kinda funny about these "Customer Appreciation sales". Guess had one yesterday (didn't even bother going to check it out) too. I'm just wondering that if they really cared for their customers so much, why would they mark-up their clothing so much on regular days? With these sales, they're basically tell us that every other day, their clothes are just overpriced and not worth it. When they aren't having these sales, I hardly see anyone in their stores. Sad.

I might go to Buffalo next weekend so I can get a head start on my Christmas shopping! However, I still think the whole trip in general would be a waste of time since it would probably take at least 2 hours to get there and 2 hours to get back... Still debating. Hmmm.

Joe Fresh

I really enjoy Joe Fresh :) H&M and Forever 21 prices, but more black, grey, and white (my favourite colours! :) and good for work and interviews. Plus, since there are only a few Loblaws stores (Yes, you read that right... Loblaws.) that carries the line, not many people will have your clothes. The only disappointing thing was that I went on Saturday morning and they didn't have any of the dresses that are advertised on their website. Boo! I was so going to buy the Houndstooth dress for 29$. 29$!!! Can you believe that?

They also have cheap socks! 4 pairs (2 white, 1 white and gray, and 1 black) for $6. And if you buy over 100$ before tax, you get 10$ off. And the Joe Fresh girl was supercute and tiny and nice. I had a 5 times the points coupon for PC points (I'm a loser, I know), and she gave it back to me to use again telling me, "You can have it back!" Total girlcrush.

Also note: Advance polling has begun for the Ontario Election and Referendum for a change in the voting system. Don't forget to vote at your advance poll or Election Day on October 10th!

When you're not near a mall...

I have noticed that when your job/school is not directly beside a shopping mall or on a street filled with stores, there is significantly less shopping. This is important when you are deciding on where to find a job or school and what your intentions with your paycheque are. If you want to save, go far, far, far away from these money-sucking enterprises. If you want to spend, being close is good. But it's best if it's at least a few blocks or subway stops away.

Now that I'm back in school, there is hardly any shopping to be done. Of course, there's no time for the shopping, but that's not the point. If you're that close, you make time to wander around and look at things. It can be quite therapeutic. I would suggest wandering around stores to MK, who "currently" has iron deficiency anemia, once she feels less fatigued and would like to start exercising again. Oh my, school truly has started! Best of luck to those in the workforce (near a mall or not) or still in school. Enjoy!

Random thought:
Have you ever noticed that when major life events happen to people, they are suddenly logging into things like facebook or msn or friendster more? I.e., new boyfriends/girlfriends, a new job, getting accepted into a new program at school, etc. I don't know about you, but I find this very curious. It's kinda like bragging, but in an indirect way. People that haven't logged on to facebook after years, (I'm talking years here!) and suddenly they're adding pictures, new friends, leaving people messages on their walls, etc., etc. I just find it incredibly hypocritical and annoying. If you're on facebook or such, keep the updates going from the start! You're not THAT busy. Come on! Don't lie.

Missing the Ikea breakfast photo

I have come to the realization that I am not meant to blog everyday. It's just not in the cards.

However, there are a few things worth mentioning on the shopping and sales front. First of all, it's back-to-school next week. Imagine my sad face. *sad face*

I will miss the summer! I had a great time at my workplace that was conveniently located next to the Eaton Centre. But it honestly wasn't just the shopping. The people and work were great too! I will miss you, SMH! If I don't get SMH as my SPEP site and someone else gets my beloved... I will be sad. Imagine my sad face. *sad face*

Ok... Moving on.

Anyways, Urban Outfitters is having its 50% off sale items sale again. Got a pair of beige boots and home decor items (candle holders in the shape of a dove). They also have really funny gag books and coffee table books. Kinda novelty, kinda weird, kinda dirty (yes, THAT kind of dirty), kinda fun... You'll like! Check it out, I think it's still going on.

IKEA: Save the tax event is on. (Discount is equivalent to the amount of tax you would have to pay. Duh.) This discount is also applied to the "As Is" section. Went with my cousin and splurged on a 1$ breakfast. lol I used to have a picture of the Ikea breakfast, but I can't find it.

H&M: Love their fall stuff. I bought a jacket and dress in a rush last week (I had an appointment). Usually, I don't do that. (See Guess experience.) However, whenever I see something I like at H&M, the next time I go back, whatever I wanted is never there anymore! So act fast! Buy it if you like it and then you get 30 days to return it if you no likey.
The jacket was wool and quite itchy once I wore it for a longer period of time at home so I returned it a few days later. Dress: minimal do-it-yourself altering is a must, but still good!

This just in via email: Club Monaco is having an up to 60% off sale for Labour day weekend. Not too sure if it's any good. Sales haven't been that good this summer.


**NB: I know that the H&M is supposed to have the "and" sign in the tags section, but blogger won't let me put it as such! ACK!

Oh my good God!

Feather Blouse Solid, Giant Tiger, $24.97

Why would someone do this to this poor woman? She's wearing a clown suit! I don't know what's worse, the fuzzy crap across her chest or the thick straps. I just think it's too much. Perhaps if the ruffles weren't as wide... No, perhaps if it was non-existent. And the sleeves with the ribbon on it are not flattering either. The silhouette is not balanced at all.
Too bad, because this lady is pretty cute. She deserves to wear something better for her.

And even though I've never been to this all-Canadian one-stop store, it seems like a very honest and practical place to buy clothes for families looking for a good bargain. It's just that this item is pretty sad. Will check this store out sometime this summer...