Dress Me Dearly

Dress Me Dearly Styling

2012-01-25T21:09:00.000-08:00

I love collaborating with new people! This creative with photographer Raj Sandhu was incredible fun playing with vintage silhouettes from two of my favourite stores in Edmonton, Decadence and Swish Vintage.

Photography, Raj Sandhu / Model, Michelle Brailey / Styling, Dress Me Dearly Styling / Makeup & Hair, Makeba Ferguson

Photos 1 & 2: Shirt, American Apparel. Bow, Swish Vintage. Skirt, Swish Vintage. Photo 3: Dress, Decadence. Gloves, Swish Vintage. Photo 4: Fur, Hudson's Bay from Swish Vintage. Photo 5: Dress, Decadence.

threeforten

2012-01-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

3 for $10!! Joe Fresh nail polish in Lagoon, Cobalt and Pineapple.

ceo of the universe.

2012-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Photo: Harvey Miedreich (aka Yevrah) Shirt, vintage from Divine. Pants, American Apparel. Shoes, Winners

Ever feel like you're CEO of the Universe? Today is one of those days.

skin deep

2012-01-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Since my last Beauty Roundup I've received tons of questions about my skincare routine. Nothing too fancy here, but it does the trick. My focus is always moisture, moisture, moisture, and I finally crafted the perfect balance of products to avoid flaky flareups. The routine is simple: A splash of cold water in the morning followed by an SPF moisturizer and then makeup. At night, cleanse and moisturize again with something a little more heavy-duty. You'll notice I've included three different facial cleansers here - I switch up my suds depending on the mood of my skin and find having a few varieties keeps it happy.

1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion: Minimal on scent and extra gentle for sensitive skin. Dries quickly and comes in a convenient pump bottle.
2. Lush Ultra Bland Facial Cleanser: My end-of-day cleanser and an absolute must for dry skin sufferers. This creamy, salve-like formula moisturizes while gently removing make-up.
3. H to the O: My mother always told me keeping well hydrated on the inside would do the same on the outside. Two decades later I finally upped my water intake and turns out she was right!
4. Avon Moisture Shield Tinted Cream with SPF 15: This is the third time I'm promoting this product and probably not the last. I order 10 jars at a time, so I'm never without it and use it EVERY morning. It provides just enough moisture for makeup to go on smoothly, and the subtle tint lets me skip foundation.
5. Vaseline: Locks in moisture on my lips and feet, and sometimes as an under-eye cream before bed.
6. Lush Ocean Salt Scrub: The best exfoliator for face and body. It smells like a margarita, leaves skin radiantly fresh and best of all? It contains vodka!
7. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser: Zing! Zaps breakouts and invigorates the skin with caffeine and a super fresh citrus scent.
8. The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner: Used once a week to tighten my skin, and reduce redness.
9. Kirkland Daily Facial Cleansing Towelettes: I keep these right beside my bed for those lazy (or inebriated) nights when I just can't muster the energy to do my whole skincare routine. Simply cleanse with one of these pre-moistened cloths, shut those peepers and sweet dreams!

manly monday: introducing...

2012-01-15T23:00:00.000-08:00

On Leith: Shirt, Tie and Jeans, H&M. Cardigan and Shoes, Ben Sherman.

Introducing the other half of Dress Me Dearly! It took a lot of ~~nagging~~ negotiating, but I finally got my partner-in-crime to pose for some outfit photos. Hopefully this will be a continuing feature on Manly Monday!

weekend wear

2012-01-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

Black shirt with lace detail, Joe. Collared bow blouse, Forever 21. Pants, American Apparel. Heels, Spring. Bracelet, Value Village. I now own four pairs of American Apparel pants in various styles, colours and fabrics including twill, micro-poly and these cotton "Traveling Pants". I have always hated pants, but with the high-waisted styles coming in I just can't get enough! This new silhouette is much more my style and the AA pants are so comfortable and perfect for a tucked-in shirt and heels. I find myself slipping into them quite often.

Dress Me Dearly Styling Fall 2011

2012-01-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Last August, I was recruited to style a shoot highlighting Fall 2011 fashion trends for the everyday girl. The photos weren't released to me until just now, so I thought I'd share! Plaid, leather, red and the female tux made the cut for the most prominent fall fashion trends that could be taken from the runway and onto the street. It was great fun bringing together a team of talented women to work on this project!

Big thanks to Edmonton boutiques Coup and Firoz for supplying wardrobe!

Photo 1: Coat, Obakki, from Coup. Photo 2: Sweater, Left on Hudson from Firoz. Riding Pants, Elie from Coup. Shirt, Model's Own. Photo 3: Purse, Vivienne Westwood from Firoz. Shoes, Stylist's Own from F21 Photo 4: Blouse, Mason By Michelle Mason from Coup. Jacket, Malene Birger from Coup. Photo 5: Blouse, DVF from Firoz. Photos 6: Blouse, DVF from Firoz. Leather Leggings from CoupPhotographer, Erin Walker. Styling, Janis Galloway. Model, Brittany. Makeup Nicole Gollan. Hair, Kimberly Rucka

the red.

2012-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Denim Jacket, Stitches from Grade 9! Dress, Urban Outfitters. Belt, Goodwill. Shoes, H&M.Photos by Harvey Miedreich

Manly Monday Inspiration

2012-01-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Go ahead. Be a hunk.

Shipley & Halmos Marine Washed Woven Shirt in Berkeley Plaid

Comme des Garcons black High-top Sneakers

YVES SAINT LAURENT Fine Cotton Tailored Trousers
Bow Tie
Freewheelin Cardigan
Frye Messenger Bag
Orciani suspender
Cat's TSUMORI CHISATO Striped Shirt
Woolrich Jacket

Ray-Ban Shades

baroque.

2012-01-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Shirt, EgoCloset. Skirt, Joe Fresh. Tights, Betsey Johnson from Winners. Boots, Aldo.

Photos courtesy of Andrea C. Shubert

"do I look like a doily?"

2012-01-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

Dress, Vera Moda from Urban. Tights, Betsey Johnson from Winners. Shoes, F21. Hair band, gift from L.B.Photos courtesy of Andrea C. Shubert.

i must have you

2012-01-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

I want to eat out of these. Jeffrey Campbell Audrey Platform Wedge. Swoon. Heading to Coup Garment Boutique tomorrow for some JC's to call all my own. They might not be blush patent leather, but they'll be towering and just as dandy.

2012-01-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

♥ Loving....

1. Almay One Coat Get up & Grow Mascara in Black: the only drugstore mascara I'll touch.

2. Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow in Oyster for adding that little shimmer to the inside corner of your eyes.

3. Joe Nail Polish in Latte

4. MAC 130 brush: perfect for blending cream blushes

5. MAC Powder Blush in Style

6. L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base: keeps my makeup in place all day

7. Aveeno Active Naturals Hydrating Night Cream: a staple in my nightly routine

8. Jane Iredale Lip Fixation in Fascination: the best lip stain I've ever come across, dries remarkably fast and takes countless cocktails to fade

9. The Body Shop Eau de Toilette in Vanilla: my signature scent

School Portrait

2011-12-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

via Fashion Gone Rogue

If I had the chance to pose for my school portrait again...

Trapper.

2011-12-27T18:14:00.000-08:00

Faux Fur Hat, Joe Fresh. Blouse, Max C from Winners. Skirt, BB Dakota from Black & Bold. Shoes, Urban Outfitters. Photos, Leith B.

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to my Dress Me Dearly family!

♥♥♥♥
Dress Me Dearly

Recycled Fashion

2011-12-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

Set yourself a part from the herd.

Beautiful artwork by artist Gabe Wong on YEG Wood frames.

Joey Hundert, CEO of YEG Wood Frames

Last weekend Edmonton's Da Capo cafe played host to the YEG Wood Launch Party. The self-described environmentally conscious company designs sunglasses and iPhone cases made almost entirely from recycled wood. Currently production is overseas, which might negate the eco-friendly intent when you think about all that fuel and packaging for transportation, but you have to start somewhere, right? It's certainly refreshing to see a fashion company with a conscience of any sort.

“The frames are all-natural woods, typically cut from one solid block of wood," said YEG Wood CEO, Joey Hundert, to Metro Edmonton. "We choose wood because it tells such a great story, whether it’s a recycled century-old abandoned bar, old maritime ships, or beetle-kill from B.C. This is visible in the constant grain patterns on our glasses, where the rings and sometimes even knots can be distinguished.”

YEG Wood also acts as the only Canadian distributor for WeWood watches - elegant timepieces made from recycled scrap wood. I'm ga-ga over these watches and actually hoping to unwrap a ticking package on Sunday...

For the launch, YEG Wood partnered with local mag Georgie Magazine. The publication's photographer, Ashley Champagne, took some playful snaps of guests modeling YEG Wood's cleverly named Treefarer sunglasses - a wordplay on the famous Rayban Wayfarer style. Vote for your favourite photo on Georgie's Facebook page. The winner will receive a pair of YEG Wood glasses!

Vote for my photo here!

The world I dream of.

2011-12-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

Vogue Russia, January 2012
Photographed by Ben Toms

Edmonton's very own Meghan Collison (MODE Models) plays a sultry, but sweet, 50's starlet in Vogue Russia's first issue of the New Year. It's a huge spread dripping with pastels, peeks of lingerie and elegant cat-eye frames - a world I'm sure I resided in another lifetime. Katie Shillingford takes the credit, a lady most known for her work as the Fashion Editor at Dazed & Confused Magazine.

To.Die.For.

Noël Nails

2011-12-19T00:59:00.000-08:00

Nails can't get more festive than this. Big thanks to Nail Polish Canada for sending me this sparkling Deborah Lippmann polish (retails $22 CAD) with the unfortunate name of Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? Leith renamed it to Ruby Red Slippers.

I've been wearing it all month and blushingly accepting compliments left and right. It's the best glitter nail-polish I've ever come across because it's incredibly thick with REAL sequins for major light reflection. Perfect for holiday parties or a last minute stocking stuffer. Warning: it takes a long time to dry, so don't apply it if you're in a rush!

Check out the other sparkling colours in this Holiday 2011 collection.

Manly Monday: Suit Yo'self.

2011-12-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

via the Fashionisto

Holiday parties beckon for a sharp suit, specifically New Year's Eve when there's no such thing as "overdressed". The most important factor: fit. Don't be caught dead in an oversized suit, which seems to be a painful style epidemic these days. Shoulder seams should sit on the edge of your shoulder and cuffs should sit right at the wrist bone. It's unlikely a suit will fit you perfectly off the rack, so spend the extra time and a little extra cash on tailoring to get it right. Once you've got the fit, you can experiment with colour and texture with ties, pocket squares and cuff links. And there you go. You're a sharp dressed man.

YEG Wood Launch Party

2011-12-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend celebrate timber-chic fashion at the YEG Wood Launch Party!

The Edmonton-born company along with Georgie Magazine invites you to check out its au naturel accessories line including wooden watches, sunglasses and even iphone cases.

I'm dying for one of the watches, so Santa if you're listening add this to the list.

YEG Wood Launch Party
Saturday, Dec 17 / Da Capo Cafe 8738 109 Street / 5pm - Midnight

Win a $50 Gift Card to EgoCloset!

2011-12-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Canadian owned online boutique, EgoCloset, wants to hook up a lucky Dress Me Dearly reader with a $50 Gift Card! Finish your holiday shopping, or better yet, find a cute holiday outfit for yourself! I personally have my eyes on this emerald number and this chic frock.

TO ENTER

1. "Like" Dress Me Dearly on Facebook
2. "Like" EgoCloset on Facebook
3. Visit EgoCloset.com and leave a comment below stating your favourite item and your email address.

4. For extra entries you can follow Dress me Dearly on Twitter, and/or EgoCloset on Twitter and Tumblr. (One extra entry for each, please detail in your comment if you did so)

Good Luck and thanks to everyone who enters!

Contest closes Friday, December 23, 2011 at midnight. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email. Open to Canadian and U.S.A residents only.

Forget Them Magazine. Issue 1

2011-12-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

Forget Them Magazine Autumn/Winter 2011

Local Designer Sale

2011-12-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

Oh hi, we're crazy talented designers... oh, AND total babes. From left: Jessica Halabi, Parasol, Cruz, Laura Molina, BangBang Bijoux, Fridget Apparel.

I walked into Red Pony Consignment this afternoon to the delightful sound of giggling girls and a sight of which domestic dreams are made of: Our local motley of Edmonton designers were dawning polka-dots and lace-trimmed aprons while sharing a laugh, surrounded by their own talents hanging around them.

The ladies have cleverly taken over a warm-lit space in the back of Red Pony and filled it with lovable pieces including dresses , jackets, tanks, jewelry and more. Designers Bridget Smatlan of Fridget Apparel, Gabriella Cruz of Cruz, Jessica Halabi, Corinna Chow of Parasol, Rachel Bingham of BangBang Bijoux and Laura Molina welcomed me into their flash boutique, which will hopefully return monthly in the Whyte Avenue location.

I purchased a geometric-print wrap dress by Corinna Chow of label Parasol. It's a sweet and light piece perfect for both 9 to 5 and the cocktail hour.

Prancing out of Red Pony with a gleeful spring in my step I was thankful not only for the delightful dress in my hand, but also the fun of purchasing a garment straight from the designer herself. There is a joyous exchange
that happens when buying direct - a secret understanding between the two people, both thankful to the other for her contribution to the transaction.

I'm tempted to stop by again tomorrow.... see you there?

Local Designer Sale - Holiday Edition

Red Pony Consignment 10139 82 Avenue

Sat Dec 10, 10am - 6pm

Sun Dec 11, Noon - 5pm

Sweet deals among sweet fabrics.Someone pleeease gift me this Cloud + Lolly bracelet!

ParasolMy Parasol dress, love it!!

Edmonton Local Designer Sale

2011-12-09T17:51:00.001-08:00

Check out the Edmonton Local Designer Sale this weekend hosted at one of my FAVOURITE shops, Red Pony Consignment! Your favourite designing damsels will be there including Fridget Apparel, Jessica Halabi and jewelry queen, BangBang Bijoux.

Red Pony Consignment

10139-82 Avenue

Saturday, Dec 10, 10am-6pm

Sunday, Dec 11, Noon-5pm