Out in stripes

A night on the town in ol' White Rock, British Columbia, is not exactly the same as a night out in say, New York. But that didn't stop me from dressing to the nines in sky-high nude pumps and a body-hugging striped crop top and skirt combo. I really love the interest added by mixing both horizontal and vertical stripes. Playing with the size, shape and direction of the stripes are a fantastic way to elevate a classic look to a new level.

I finished the outfit with some hot pink lips and falsies, and I was ready to party til 9PM!

Forever 21 dress
Thrifted purse
Aldo pumps

                                                                

Straw Accessories for Summer

It's recently come to my attention that I have a particular soft spot for straw accessories. I hadn't realized how many of these straw pieces I'd been hoarding until now. It all started when I decided to work my outfit around this dark green colored straw hat. Before I knew it, I was covered in straw! Straw sandals, straw cuff, straw handbag...you name it.

I think we can all appreciate the romantic and relaxed appeal of these straw accessories and I'm here to tell you they need not be restricted to your beach vacation. They can easily complement any summer outfit. I chose to pair them with this very basic, lightweight (read: see-through) cream-colored dress. The whole thing was very easy and effortless- my favorite combination!

Hat is Ralph Lauren
Sandals are Sam & Libby
Cuff is from Club Monaco
Dress and handbag: thrifted

 

Just Beachy

 

Ladies who are shopping for a new two-piece this season and aren't so much into the itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny bikinis: a high-waisted ensemble is an excellent alternative! Personally, I haven't worn a bikini in years (I've always found them unflattering the way they cinch all your soft bits!), but these basic black bottoms fall perfectly to accentuate my natural waistline and hide my "pooch" just right. Nothing against pooches, but I prefer mine to take a vacation when I'm on vacation!

This retro number can easily be paired with a basic bandeau, halter or bralette top, or if you're looking to add even more interest, go for a print!

Topshop high-waisted bottoms

Ardene bandeau top

Aldo sunglasses

Thrifted purse (actually a case for binoculars)

H&M dress (as a coverup)

                                                                           

Westward Bound

Photos by Kyler Kelly

How to carry a life in one vintage suitcase:

1) roll your clothes, don't fold (it takes up less room)

2) plain black loafers are a girl's best friend

3) bring separates (3 outfits suddenly become 9)

4) blush, eyeliner, lip balm, moisturizer and sunscreen are all you really need to put your best face forward

Of course, as soon as I boarded the plane I began pining after my favourite book The English Patient. Ridiculous of course, I've read it about 20 times already and how can a person really fit a whole life into one suitcase? A 10-day sojourn cannot contain all your heart desires. So you end up settling for 2 pairs of shoes and 1 tube of lipstick and remember...you can always shop when you get there!

Happy travels!

                                                                                  

Grace Kelly: Style Icon

 

This summer, the McCord Museum is presenting the premiere of the exhibition From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly - Beyond the Icon. The exhibit features tons of elaborate evening gowns, handwritten letters to Grace, and most impressively, Grace Kelly's Oscar for her performance in The Country Girl. Obviously, there was no way Jackie and I were gonna miss this. We plowed through our closets for longer hemlines and our favorite vintage handbags and set out for one of the museum's "Dress like Grace Kelly" evenings. 

Nailed It!

Debbie and I decided to take a longer lunch this week and treat ourselves to a little TLC nail care at one of our favourite retreats, The Runway Beauty Bar. We ordered some CND Shellac, the perfect nail solution for busy ladies on the go such as we.

Several coats of polish are applied and cured under a UV light to reveal instantly dry and shiny nails that can last without peeling or chipping for up to two weeks! We have to admit, this was a lunch hour well spent!

http://runwaybeautybar.com/
                                                         

Lip Service

Sometimes a good lipstick is the best accessory. Whether you're blessed with a plump pucker or a slimmer kisser, adding a punch of colour to the ol' lips is one of my favourite ways to add interest to any outfit.

If you're new to lipstick, a nice pink or berry is an excellent place to start your new lip-tastic adventure!

1. Revlon Super Lustrous in Fushia Fusion
2. Revlon Super Lustrous in Berry Rich
3. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Windsor Rose
4. Sephora Color Lip Last in Rose Bouquet

If you want to go more bold, there's nothing I love more than a rich red or coral.

1. Sephora Rouge Creme in The Red
2. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Royal Red
3. Revlon Super Lustrous in Kiss Me Coral
4. Rimmel Moisture Renew in Coral Chic

What are some of your favourite lipsticks?
                                                               

Go Fancy or Go Home

It was Bouquet of Frock's one month anniversary and Debbie and I decided to get dolled up for a proper celebration. I went with a tiered pink number that harkened to the Roaring 20s and, in the same spirit, I chopped off all my luscious locks to go with...

Just kidding! I attempted a faux bob for the first time (tutorial to come!)

Debbie, always the summer romantic, opted for a classic pleated skirt, white cowl neck top and a pair of wooden wedges. All that was missing was a tiny side braid woven into her wavy locks and we were ready to hit the town and toast to our first month!

We treated ourselves to a scrumptious meal at Boris Bistro, who have a lovely outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, we have no pictures of our dishes because we ate them all too fast. Oops.
                                                                      

Behind The Red Door

 

Debbie and I have three theories as to what is behind these red doors.

1) Puppyville, where puppies wear business suits, drink coffee out of their puppy bowls, have their own puppy house of parliment and pay puppy income tax with bones.

2) Fields of shoe crops including, but not limited to, sandal stalks, bushels of booties and pump pastures, ripe for the picking!

3) A hidden treasure with mountains of gold dubloons, sparkling jewels and a magic lamp, redeemable for three wishes.

Well, there's only one way to find out...