Tis the Season for Presents

Only 26 shopping days left until Christmas! While I'm knocking people off of my to-buy-for list, I found a few little items that I'd love to gift myself!
How perfect would this be to keep all your precious jewels on display? I need everything out where I can see it and this is a great solution!
Ikea Serving Platter - $14.99

I'm not usually one for huge danglers, but I'm heading to the Dominican again in the new year and this colour is just amazing.

Stella & Dot "Charlize" Teardrop Earrings - $34

I have been coveting a pair of fire engine red jeans since the end of the summer, but due to my shopping ban have yet to indulge in a pair.

American Eagle Jegging - $46.63

The essential party game.
This one includes tracks like "Everybody Dance Now," "Jump On It," and "Party Rock Anthem." Good Times.

Just Dance 3 for Wii - $34.99

The perfect day planner.
Monthly views, weekly views, and laminated tabs. This one can be personalized any way you'd like on the inside and monogrammed on the front!

Emma Rose & Me via Etsy - $44

What are you guys asking Santa for this year?

Shoe Lust: Holiday Sparklers

With the Holiday season fast approaching, I couldn't help but check out the sparklers.
I know I'm on a shopping ban, but I can always daydream....

top: Steve Madden; Sam Edelman; Aldo
middle: Spring; Steve Madden; Aldo;
bottom: Sam Edelman; Betsey Johnson; Jeffrey Campbell

In My Shoes: Aldo "Urquiza" Loafer

It's been a while since I've done one of these, but my collection grows every month so I thought I would continue with this feature!

Ah, Aldo. You never steer me astray.
I bought these last winter and it was love at first step. Not only did they fit perfectly into my then-corporate wardrobe, they are incredibly comfortable.
I'm so glad I purchased them when I did since I see this trend popping up again everywhere for the fall!
You can purchase a similar style here in black.

How I've worn them...

Put a Bow on It

There's something so incredibly sexy about the conservative secretary look. I'm loving the high heeled loafer, the 50's esque midi-skirt, and of course, the bow tie blouse.

Here are just a few that I've had my eye on recently...

Sheer Floral Blouse - F21 ($30)

Polka Dotted - Dynamite ($30)

Black Plaid - Smart Set ($35)

Tele-Visionary Blouse - Modcloth ($43)

Tie Neck Henley - Gap ($65)

Helter Bow Blouse - Need Supply ($80)

I'm sort of leaning towards the adorable modcloth one, but ordering online always psychs me out, so chances are I'll end up with the Dynamite version. Not that I don't already own enough polkadots....

What are your thoughts?

Shopaholics Anonymous

I miss shopping.

I know, that sounds pathetic. I just went on a trip a month ago where I bought far too much... but I'm pretty sure I have an addiction! Something about pretty new things just gets my heart racing.
BF and I went window shopping last weekend and I nearly had a meltdown because he (rightly so) talked me out of buying the most adorable sweater from the gap at 40% off.

Is there such a thing as shopaholics anonymous?

blouse - Jacob (2010); vest - H&M (2011); skinnies - Smart Set (2010); flats - Aldo (2011)

Also, has anyone else seen Coco Rocha's Jacob ads? They've made a commitment to stop retouching their models (not that she needs any anyways)! LOVE!!

Monthly Money Check-Up: February

Hmmmm, so I may or may not have gone a little overboard with my February spending. Budget, what budget?
It was a very emotional month however, and I can't help but shop to make myself feel better. I know, I know, another addiction I need to get over... but there's just something about finding the perfect pair of shoes or bag that makes you gray skies seem blue again...

Purchases:


Maxi Dress - Dominican Republic Vendor ($50)


Floral Dress - Dominican Republic Vendor ($20)


Jean Shirt - Walmart ($12)


Big Floppy Hat - Walmart ($7)


Bag - Via Pom Pom ($35)


Tights - Hue via Pom Pom ($12.50)

Tall Boots - Spring ($25)

Ankle Boots - Spring ($28)

Grand Total = $189.50
Ashamed? Yes. In love with every single purchase? Hells Yes.

March Goals:

1. Restrict clothes budget to $50. I'd get rid of it completely... but a girl's gotta shop!
2. Contribute another $1000 to savings.
3. Find a washer/dryer set for under $900 for my new place.
   

Christmas Shopping for Myself @ Modcloth

I have had far too much fun lurking the modcloth website lately. It seems eery new piece is gorgeous and covetable. Here are just a few of the items on my wish list right now.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE TOP


HELD IN SUSPENDERS SKIRT


ALPINE CLASSIC CARDIGAN



FROSTING COOKIES DRESS


THAI ICED TEA DRESS

MADAME HERRINGBONE HEEL

BUTTONS AND BOWS HEEL

Have any fellow Canadian fashionistas ever ordered from Modcloth? What's the shipping/return procedure like? Is it worth it?

The Good, The Bad and The Argyle*

Rain, rain, go away... Melrose wants to come out and play... with her camera... and maybe frolic in the leaves without getting covered from head to toe in mud :)

Boo for more indoor photos! I've been TRYING to be creative about the whole photo thing now that I have my new baby (Canon Rebel I love you!), but until I find a way to rig up an umbrella to the top of my tripod, I'm banished indoors. That being said, yesterday was a horrible tease of what fall weather SHOULD be like, and I did get a few cute outdoor shots that will likely be posted later this week.

argyle sweater - Dynamite (2008)
trousers - Gap (2010)
wedges - Aldo (2010)
bag - BCBGeneration (2010)

I'm debating buying a pair of OTK boots from gojane.com. At a fraction of my budgeted price, they're very tempting. Has anyone ordered from there before? What is the quality like?

Also, Yuri, founder of lookbook.nu posted a response to Vahni of grit & glamour.... clearly I don't agree with her views... but what do you all think? Join in the convo on her comments page.

(OFW STARTS TOMORROW!)

*post title courtesy of Bouncing Souls

Spreading the Love

If you don't already know, Ottawa Fashion Week is fast approaching! In anticipation of this, Marilou of Twenty York Street (check out her fabulous blog if you're not already a follower!) has teamed up with Yolande Deschenes, founder and designer of Yola Couture, to give one lucky winner the opportunity to win one of her new ready-to-wear pieces! The dress is absoluetly gorgeous and incorporates some lovely origami-type details. You DEFINITELY have to check this out, this is one giveaway you won't want to miss!
The gorgeous "Callie" dress being given away!

Now, not nearly as entertaining, more photos from last week!

top - from this seller on Ebay (2010)
jeans - Smart Set (2010)
boots - Steve Madden (2007)
beads - Spring (2010)

Fall Wants

I've been a little bored at work, so I thought I'd put together a list of my Fall Wants.
Hmmm, I see a trend here.

Fall Wants by Melrose86

Cargo Jacket - Dillard's ($119)
My Budget: $75
Fur Vest - Michael Kors ($91)
My Budget: $50
Tweed Blazer - J. Crew ($198)
My Budget: $100
Skinny Cargos - Ruche ($48)
My Budget: $40
OTK Boots - Victoria's Secret ($99)
My Budget: $75
Cape - Dorothy Perkins (65GBP)
My Budget: $100

These items are just for reference and not necessarily the exact ones I plan on purchasing. So we'll see how I make out... AND if I stay under my budget.

Casual Weekend Garb

This is what I wore last weekend to wander downtown with the boy. It was SUCH a pretty day, but definitely frigid. Of course a coat was added.
We hit up the new Urban Outfitters on Rideau Street and omigosh I fell in love with so much, but unfortunately it was a ZOO in there so I didn't get a chance to try anything on, and there was no way I was waiting in that line up to pay for anything. Their "home" department disapointed me though. Whenever I visited their Montreal location I always found the most fabulous decorations and almost always left with something in hand. Unfortunately the Rideau location has the bare minimum and mostly carries their little trinkets like shot glasses and humorous books. They're still brand new to that location though, so maybe they'll expand in the future, who knows?

scarf - LeChateau (2008)
sweater - Express (2008)
jeans - Smart Set (2010)
boots - Spring (2010)
wood bangles - Vintage (??)

a *meh* kinda outfit

This outfit photo was actually taken before the last one, hence the childish drawings still on my door... I finally covered them last weekend as I find my background incredibly distracting and I live in a neighborhood with too many nosy people to brave outside photoshoots. I know, I'm a huge wuss.

I seriously debated on posting this outfit. Looking back I'm not really a fan, but I figured hey, why not? This blog is to chronicle, the good, the bad AND the ugly. I don't like the way the lining and the top look together, and overall its kind of a bore.. but meh. I DO get to showcase my fab Moos Shoes yet again.

blazer - Ricki's bf blazer (2009)
printed tank - Dynamite (Sum. 2010)
skinny jeans - Smart Set (Sum. 2010)
heels - Aldo (Sum. 2010)

Please ignore the exploding night stand :)

Mustard & Truffles

Did you know there was a Zara in Ottawa? Yeah, me neither until recently. It's like HEAVEN, no lie. I'm in love with both their range of styles AND prices. They have somethign for every taste and budget. I was very good this time and spent under $50 purchasing only a lace tee and cardigan, but I think I may have found my new favorite place to shop.

cardigan - Zara (2010)
necklace - Smart Set (2010)
blouse - Dynamite (gift 2009)
pants - Dynamite (2007)
flats - Urban Planet (2009)

Today is a Good Day!

My interview went incredibly well, which has put me in a wonderful mood for the rest of the day! I had no idea Reitmans group owned so many of the Canadian clothing stores! Smart Set (where I had my interview) is by far my favorite, but they're also home to Addition Elle, Penningtons, RW&Co, Thyme, Cassis, and of course Reitmans! You've got to love these thriving Canadian born and bred retailers! My second potential interview location is Spring, which is owned by another Canadian company, Aldo Group. With so many of our companies either being bought out, or struggling to compete with bigger named American companies, its good to see a few of our own remaining to be so successful.
As someone who has studies business in a very liberal arts University, remaining local and supporting the Canadian economy are qualities I hold close to my heart and hope to contribute to in the future.

Now that I'm done my little speech, on to some photos!

Worn Fri, May 28th:

tee - Dynamite (2010)
pants - Michael Kors (mine since 2010)
flats - American Eagle (2008)

necklace - Dynamite (2007)
ring - Suzy Shier (2010)

This day I happened to be cleaning my uncle's house with my grandmother as a nice surprise before he came home from Italy. Don't ask me why I got so fancy for such a task... I just like looking pretty I guess! Anyways, as boring as cleaning sounds, I managed to find a few of my aunt's old things that I've appropriated as my own. As they are mostly jackets, none will be getting much wear until the fall, but I'll be sure to credit my dear Zia Carmela where applicable in the future!
For now I'll leave you with one of my many new treasures:

Thank you Zia!

Green is the new Black

... or at least that's how I feel after looking at these pics.
In retrospect, outdoor pics may not have been the best option for this outfit. WAY too much green! haha.

Worn Tues, May 18:

tee - F21 (2009)
belt - ??? (high school days)
bracelet - formerly mom's
skirt - Sympathy for the Rebel (2010)
flats - Aldo (2009)

Sorry for the slight blurriness... apparently if I don't take pics for a few days I lose what little picture taking skills I once had :)

So have I mentioned lately how much i LOVE dynamite*? Since there is no Forever21 or H&M in my vicinity (if I'm wrong, enlighten me! I haven't been in Ottawa for YEARS!), Dynamite has become my go-to for both basics and trendy pieces at affordable prices. On this particular occasion I was returning a dress I'd purchased for convocation (I've opted to make my own), and for the same price of that dress ($40 + tax) I was able to get FIVE new shirts and a fabulous belt. Do I know how to spend, or what?

In addition, I happened to pick up Kelly Cutrone's book, "If you have to cry, Go Outside."
Learning about her history while at the same time appreciating some of the intense lessons she's picked up along the way has just made me love this woman more. If you're looking for a light, quick read, I seriously recommend it.

*I don't work for Dynamite (anymore!), and they are NOT endorsing me. I just have an intense love for this store!

Home for the Weekend

The list of stores I'm boycotting is getting ridiculously long. lol. I'm NOT a bitch, and I'm NOT hard to please when it comes to customer service. In fact, I'm pretty much a sales person's best friend. If you tell me something looks good on me, or if I buy a second item, this one's 50%, you have me sold.
I LOVE to shop in actual stores and have conversations about items and share my love or thoughts about pieces with others... so when i walk into a store and there are 5 people working on a sunday afternoon, and I'm your only customer, but instead you're all huddled around the cash register gossiping and giving sideways glances at my outfit (disapprovingly at that!) I feel like I have every right to contact your manager and spread the news about how evil your store is.
That's right, I'm talking about you LE CHATEAU in COLLEGE SQUARE, OTTAWA! Your service was crap, and I was prepared to drop a pretty penny, so instead i walked accross the street to the Guess Outlet and spent my hard earned money there instead :)


Now, the only time I worked in clothing retail was a summer at Dynamite ( i looooved it btw! so in my element... ), so if I'm asking too much, someone please tell me off and explain to me what customer service is like at your store. I just feel like the people who doen'treally enjoy what they're doing shouldn't be there.... but maybe thats just me?

On a much lighter note, here's another random outfit! I will be SOOO sad to leave Sympathy for the Rebel in Peterborough... I will definitely need to find myself an Ottawa alternative when I move back next month....or who knows? Maybe one day open my own boutique along those same lines? A girl can dream, right?

Worn Thurs, Apr. 8th:cardi - QED London (2010)
tee - H&M (2009)
skirt - thrifted @ Sympathy for the Rebel (2010)
tights - Express (2008)
kitten heels - Suzy Shier (2008)


And just because I'll be bleaving my milo-kittan again for 2 weeks, here's some cuteness:

No, tulips do not know how to attack. You're golden kitty.