STOP! Are you committing BRA crimes?

Ladies, ladies, ladies. In-between commuting and the office I saw AT LEAST 10 people struggling with the too small bra disease. (No, not the itty bitty bra, simply a bra that does not fit properly) So are you an offender?

I preach about dressing right and keeping in mind what works for your body but none of that is relevant if you don’t start right with you undergarments. (Yes, this goes beyond just a bra)

So let’s take the test;

1. Is your bra digging in at your shoulders?

2. How tight does your bra feel – i.e Do you have back bulges around the underarms? (I’ve seen this on skinny people too, so ladies, do a double check)

3. Are your cups overflowing? Or vice versa perhaps?

4. Are you a little bit of a super drooper? Your bra’s too big then!

5. Riding high in the back?

6. The last time you bought a bra was 1+ years ago

5. Now turn around, can you see a panty line? (Saying that makes me throw up a little) This is another issue that is just as important ladies!

6. Are your pants too tight around the waist/hips and make you look like you have a muffin top (even though “you don’t”) or accentuate your existing muffin top. This is equally, if not more of an offence than too small bra.

If you’ve answered YES to ANY of the above than I BEG you to seek help. So, let’s fix the problem;

1. Invest in your bra $$$

2. Now that your going to spend money on your bra, GET A FITTING you want to make sure your shelling up the cash for something that fits like a glove. Even if you think you know your size, just get a fitting, actually do it every time you purchase a bra as bodies have the ability to flex up and down in a matter of months. So what are you going to do next time? GET A FITTING

3. Keep how you dress in mind when shopping – if you wear fitted tops a lot you’ll want to look for more of a T-shirt fitted bra that is seamless versus something that’s bedazzled or even lace.

4. I wouldn’t know this, but a many a friends have attested to this. Apparently if your already gifted in this category then avoid Victoria Secret, their bras are fancier, full of padding and don’t provide that extra support that some of you ladies really need.

5. There are other issues beside your bra being too small, ensure you have your basic colours – you can still find great looking nude bras and they are KEY to have. I don’t want to see bright pink or even a black bra through your white blouse

6. Okay you now have the perfect bra, be sure to wash it regularly because he oil from our skin tends to break down the elasticity. And remember a bras lifespan is short and you should look to reinvest every 3-5 months.

7. Oh, the underwear issue is a simple fix – wear seamless or go for
A seamless boy short, they provide perfect coverage and are a great alternative to thongs. And here is a tip white under white isn’t always right.

8. Invest in Spanx or similar like spandex undergarments and use as necessary – in the case that your spilling out of the top of your pants this may be a good alternative. Or you could just buy better fitting, higher waisted pants.

It all seems fairly intuitive but many people feel that these pieces are just under yours clothes so they are not as important, but if you don’t have great undergarments that killer dress may not look so killer as your creating a many distractions elsewhere.

So I’m not saying get swallowed up in Spanx for everyday at the office but I BEG you, just be more cognizant. That said, happy shopping!

Best of the Met

The theme is White Tie and Decorations, which means men will struggle into black tailcoats, and the women are expected to wear full-skirted ball gowns, elbow-length gloves and extravagant jewels.

Last years theme was Punk and some reviews agree the celebs flopped while others loved it. Cara and Nina looked like an elegant version of punk…

And then there was Kim and I’m not sure who defined punk for her…and MAYBE this dress COULD have worked but just not at the punk themed Met.. Maybe one of Anna Wintour’s tea parties.

BUT now it’s time to come back to 2014 and see who was hot and who was a flop in their forties and fifties inspired gowns.

FLOPS (not in ranking order)

1. Lupita, yaya she looks gorgeous and flapper-esk and really the only one who rocked the look which was nice but still feeling kind of MEH about it all (go ahead and mentally stab my eyes out right now?

2. Katie

3. Elizabeth

4. Rita, did she not get the message on the theme?

5. SJP, spot on theme, spotlight stealer, so SJP but I’m just not in love the signature on the back killed it for me I think

6. Kate Upton

HOT (not in ranking order)

1. Blake (okay this is the only one in ranking order) I feel like I haven’t seen her dazzle a carpet in awhile but OMG she’s back. The dress, the hair, perfection.

2. Reese, truthfully her hair is bang on and the dress is only okay but she still made the hot list… Although I’m slowly starting to contradict myself because she always, always wears dresses like this. So best dressed only for the HAIR

3. Dakota, the gloves did me in

4. Idina

5. Kim, if she wore gloves this look would have been perfect. Voted most improved.

6. Lily

And now for some honourable mentions – either you just weren’t on theme or I love you and simply wished you showed up in something better.

Selena at the iHeartRadio Awards

So even though reports say she’s the crazy one I can’t help but say she’s looking good!

But she doesn’t even really look like the usual Selena… Bye bye baby face?

Is COACH outdone? (rhetorical Q)

Coach has recently become some sort of a pet peeve for me in recent years. Don’t get me wrong I remember the first glorious time I shopped at Coach and spent $800 + bucks on a bag, a fanny and even branded beach towels… Branded towels, please tell me what I was thinking? I felt on top of the world, I was “the shit.” However now fakes are popping up like roaches in NY city and there are scary combinations of Coach, Louis and Gucci together. In addition to that there is eBay, Kijiji and the good old factory outlets. It’s great that it’s now an attainable brand but it’s lost some it’s lustre and uniqueness – will it ever go back to its roots of quality branded leather gear?

Buzzfeed sums up the hit the Coach factory outlets have had… It’s a pretty good article

http://www.buzzfeed.com/sapna/has-coach-become-too-much-of-an-outlet-brand?s=mobile

Some fun pictures of some startling fakes (and this is JUST what I’ve found on the internet, real life finds have been more comical)

And I’ll wrap up with this – there is nothing wrong if you like, or wear Coach. I’ll admit that they still have some designs I come across that I love and it appears they’re slowly on route to moving away from the in your face C’s to some classic designs. My thing is uniqueness, for the same reason I like Winners, I can look down the subway car and know I’m not going to see 6 other bags like mine (real or fake). There is something nice about having something that is more so one of a kind.

Watch okay MK and Kate Spade, will this be your fate too?

Until next time, happy shopping!

Up-do DON’Ts – say NO to the sock bun

I vote that hair always looks better down but there are some classic up dos that allow you to look equally polished… Then there are other looks that are outdone and basically a crime.

1. The Stubby Pony.
I’m not sure this was ever a trend but it’s a huge sore point for me, any FB friends or lunch friends are well aware of this distaste.

Incase you don’t know what your hair/a stubby pony is, here are some examples…

And here are items that look similar to a stubby pony….

2. The Sock Bun.
This was HUGE and I think we ALL tried this phenomenon and some point. But perfection is out and messy top knots are in.

And here are some items that look similar to a sock bun…

All that said check out some great up-dos for this Spring/Summer

1. The Messy Bun
It’s backkkk, weather it’s a thrown together top knot or pulled together at the nape it can go from afternoon to evening easily
BCBG just shared their favourite looks here http://thegenerationnation.com/hot-mess/

PS remember its messy bun trend, not messy buns….

2. Effortless Up Do’s
Perfect for an evening out or something more formal such as a wedding – a romantic wispy look

Cosmo UK gives these tips to create the perfect look

“The tip: Prepping your hair with product is really important. Try L’Oreal Professional Tecni Art Pli then style. “The quicker you do it, the better it looks. If it’s contrived it loses its coolness” Anthony advises.”

3. Old World Braids
Think wispy romantic braids straight from the renaissance, a medieval and beachy look combined. No step by step for this look, it’s a simple braid, just add a little wax for texture and to make it look like a purposeful style rather than falling out braid.

If you have long enough hair you can wrap around your crown for a more polished approach.

Happy Styling!

Guys, stop wearing this stuff!

Crimes against fashion, the below really applies to both guys and girls. Easy read!

Essentially say no to free swag shirts, basketball shorts and popped collars. (Unless your Harrison from Scandal, then you can wear all the popped collars you want)

18 Things Guys Need To Stop Wearing After College

Alexander Wang for H&M -November 6

I’ve been meaning to write about this exciting development for awhile but it won’t be new news to you folks.

I’m a big fan of designers collabs as it allows the everyday consumer to have a taste of the couture life on a (relatively friendly) budget.

Wang is a creative genius so no doubt this is a perfect match for H&M which is always pushing the fashion boundaries. His trend setting accessories will also be an inspiration for the line as he’ll be adding to the endless shelves of accessories at H&M.

Past designers who paired up with the Swedish retailer include; Isabel Marant, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, Versace, Lanvin and Marni – no small shoes to fill. Karl Lagerfeld kicked it off in 2004 with major sellouts and controversy around his complaints of the fashion house making his designs too big (a la Abercrombie) and the collabs that followed have had similar successes. H&M overall gained huge sales from the projects, and the high-end designers were able to reach a wider consumer base than they had previously been able to.

Taking a peak into the Wang Fall 2014/15 runway you can easily see the potential of his looks that would work at H&M – the short dresses, vibrant colours and the mix and match textiles.

The collection will be unveiled on November 6. T minus 197 days.

Happy shopping!

Betsey Johnson Vintage Collection at Urban Outfitters

Loving the slip style dresses by Betsey Johnson – another interesting fashion collab.

50% Off Burberry Footwear – Trafalger Outlet

Before I used to believe in investing some good coin to sunglasses, watches and handbags as they are staples – but what was missing; SHOES!

Just scored a great pair for $160 regularly $475! They had a variety of heels and summer flats as well. These are more of a fall shoe but I think I can get a few good spring uses out of these puppies – how could I resist? (They also feel like I’m walking on an effin’ cloud)

Another great buy today but from the Buffalo outlet – High waisted dark wash flare;
$49 regularly $375 (That’s 87% off!)

They are a PERFECT fit and I feel I’ll wear them so often I should have bought 2.

So in the spirit of spring head out to the outlets. Happy Shopping!

Leggings and Crop Tops; Do’s and Don’ts

Crop tops and leggings are taking over for Spring and they look amazing on the runway and red carpet but what happens when the every day citizen attempts these trends… Well a lot of the time, it’s a disaster.

Leggings

And when we thought these were a phase they just keep on going and going. Some are so extreme I die a little bit inside when I see them.

Do’s (for every ‘DO’ there are 2 Don’ts)

1. Invest in your leggings, this way you will end up with a higher quality material that will last and you won’t end up on the peopleofwalmart website in your see through leggings

2. Pair with a top that covers your ass. Enough said, no Ifs, ands or buts.

3. Opt for more than just a cotton or spandex legging as immediately you will look for polished. Think leather, suede or a sequin style.

Don’ts
1. First and foremost, leggings are NOT pants. Leggings are not pants. Leggings are not pants. Do you got it? Do not walk out of the house with a T and leggings, you won’t look pulled together no matter how good you think you look.

2. Make sure your leggings fit. They shouldn’t be too tight to show every single part of your legs and you don’t want them loose and bunchy either – I’m itchy now thinking about ill fitting, dimple hugging, turned see through leggings.

3. Wear leggings with patterns. Bottom line, it’s risky. Note, sequins is different and there are exceptions for tone on tone patterns.

4. Pair with heels. (Note there are some exceptions for this – see below)

5. Wear under shorts. I just read an article and this was a suggested ‘must wear’. I beg of you, don’t do this. I’m really not sure why you would either?

SEXY

SKANKY
>

Crop tops

Oh the crop top, the top every high school girl will love this summer. Oh, and the top that makes me cringe almost daily when someone uploads a new selfie and their gut is hanging out. But, don’t get me wrong, there are ways to totally do it right and flatter your figure so you look amazing.

Do’s
1. Follow the 3 finger rule. Remember when teachers would use this as a measuring system for your tank tops and skirts? Well we questioned it then but it’s a good guide to tell you if the space between your top and bottom is classy or trashy.

2. Match the style to your shape
– petite, go for fitted
– big chested, consider the neckline!
– curvy, opt for a crop a little longer in length and that hits you at your narrowest point

3. Fitted top, a-line bottom helps class up the look while still being fun

Don’ts
1. Wear them with low rise jeans or shorts, your not 16 (even that is pushing it) No matter how skinny you are it’s not the most pulled together look…

2. Bra’s are not crop tops

3. Don’t only wear crop tops, it’s a trend but it doesn’t need to be an everyday thing (aka Kim Kardarshian)

4. Mistake a raver crop for a stylish crop, one is no no no the other has potential to look awesome!

SEXY