FRANTIC DREAMS

Keepin' it Classic

2012-05-24T19:28:00.002-04:00

TWO outfit posts in ONE week? You are not seeing things! I went for a bite to eat with some friends earlier and this is what I wore. As the weather gets warmer, I tend to stop wearing accessories (mainly because I cannot stand the smell of costume jewellery when it comes in contact with sweat, Yuck!) and start bringing out classic statement pieces for more visual interest. I wear this blazer a lot more than I'd like to admit, it is defiantly one of my go to pieces in my closet! Paired with my ASOS trouser shorts, lace top from Forever 21 and black flats for a classic, comfortable look.

Blazer Long Tall Sally | Shirt Forever 21 + | Shorts, Belt, Sunnies ASOS | Flats Blowfish

Casual Monday

2012-05-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, miss me? I'm pretty sure you haven't but I'd like to think you did! Anyway... I've been super lazy and haven't been wearing many "blog worthy" outfits to say the least. (Keeping it classy in cut off shorts, flip-flops and stained t-shirts for the last few weeks!) I thought I'd post a casual outfit for a change. This lace neck H&M dress was perfect for the 26°C weather today! Flowy, comfortable, and such a cute colour! Paired with my favourite ASOS necklace, black lace sandals, eBay sunnies & trusty sequin bag.

Dress H&M | Necklace ASOS | Bag & Sunnies eBay | Shoes BFT

Q&A

2012-05-11T02:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, life is kicking my ass right now. Because I'm slightly lazy, I answered a bunch of questions in this video.
You now get to watch me be awkward, random & curse way more than I should have. (Sorry for that in advance!)

Something Old, Something New.

2012-04-07T20:46:00.000-04:00

Now that my first year of design school is coming to a close, I've lined up my much anticipated DIY projects from years past to tackle over this summer. If you can believe it, this shirt used to be a God awful dress! (Photo at the end of this post.) I fell in love with the shade of orange immediately, but the dress was 2 sizes too small and, well... beyond hideous! I promised myself that I would make good use of it anyway; So a piece of scrap fabric, some wishful thinking and 2 hours of labour later, viola! Peplums have been appearing everywhere and they are just way too cute NOT to try! Colour blocked with my favourite teal bag and a simple black bandage skirt to balance out the bright colours.

Peplum Shirt DIY thrifted dress | Skirt & Necklace Forever21 | Boots Blowfish | Bracelets ASOS | Bag eBay

Bright Stripes

2012-03-21T21:59:00.006-04:00

It seems that every time I get dressed, I go straight for the black section of my closet. My main goal this spring is to wear more colour & print, so when I came across this Cheap Monday dress on ASOS.com a few weeks back, I fell in love. I luckily found the dress in downtown Toronto shop (For $30 less!) Who doesn't love a good markdown? Ps. Ignore my unimpressed chronic bitch face! :)

Dress Cheap Monday via The Bay | Jacket GAP | Shoes BFT | Necklace Aldo | Belt & Glasses ASOS

Denim, Chain & Fringe

2012-03-07T18:04:00.006-05:00

A well-fitting, sleeveless denim dress has been on my "to buy" list for a couple years now. When I came across one on my daily rounds for new online items, I was genuinely excited. Can I be honest for a moment? (Of course I can, it's my blog...) I haven't been impressed with ASOS curve range lately, but this dress is pretty amazing. The denim is soft, the buttons don't pull at the waist or bust, it's a great length, love it.

I've also been pretty obsessed with body chains over the last couple months. ( It all started with a head chain ) I decided to finally make a few. Will defiantly be abusing them during the summer months, that is for sure!

Poncho MINKPINK via. Urban Outfitters | Denim Dress & Sunglasses ASOS | Shoes 80%20 | Body Chain DIY

Double Take: Tribal Leggings

2012-02-28T15:45:00.003-05:00

Tribal print has been in circulation for years & I've been on the hunt for the perfect item, just as long. *Cue Flashback* I was walking down the streets of Toronto, when I spotted a young lady wearing these glorious tribal print pants from across the street. After almost being hit by a car trying to catch her, she told me they were from Zara. It doesn't take a genius to realize that there was no way in hell I was fitting into those pants, so I continued to live my life, tribal pants free.

*Enter New Look from stage left* New Look's Inspire Line uploaded these wonderful tribal print leggings and I jumped right on them. There is no way I'm letting a good thing pass me by, twice! Here is what I have planned for these patterned bottoms:

I've been really attracted to mixed prints for the last couple months & I think it's time to dive in, head first, for myself! The tribal print is a bit much on its own, but as someone who is extremely comfortable with print, pairing it with a smaller, more feminine pattern creates a great look for spring.

I say this time and time again (BECAUSE ITS TRUE DAMMIT!) Basics, like this sheer white shirt or this leather vest, add a classic element to an already funky outfit. For those not comfortable with loud prints, this is a great way to introduce them to your wardrobe!

Hounds & Houndstooth

2012-02-15T19:00:00.012-05:00

I've wanted a houndstooth skirt for years but never brought myself to buy one. I really didn't feel that it fit with my wardrobe, and When ASOS uploaded their version (that is oddly no longer available) I couldn't bring myself to spend $60 on a cotton jersey skirt. In comes H&M to save the day; I snagged this pencil skirt (That I am wearing as a mini) for $20! You really can't beat that.

PS. The winner of the Hips & Curves Giveaway is Elann Zelie of ElannZelie.com! Congratulations Elann, I will be emailing you shortly.
Thank you to all that entered, stay tuned for more giveaways!

Sweater Dorothy Perkins | Collared Shirt eShakti | Skirt & Hat H&M | Boots Blowfish | Jacket C/O Penningtons

Liquorice

2012-02-08T17:07:00.009-05:00

Forever obsessed with any and everything sheer. I've recently dedicated a large chunk of closet space to sheer items... I'm convinced it's a lifestyle choice. This dress from Hips & Curves is the perfect shirt but is pretty amazing on it's own! When I wore this number to dinner with friends, they told me that I had to start investing in "real clothing." What for? I think I'm doing just fine with my current wardrobe, thank you! *Files nails with an attitude*

Shirt (Dress) C/O Hips & Curves | Skirt eShakti | Jacket GAP | Boots Blowfish | Hat Torrid

Lingerie Galore

2012-02-06T15:35:00.025-05:00

As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate a beautiful lingerie set when I see one; bows, lace and all. There is something about wearing "above average" underwear that makes you feel slightly risque throughout the day. I mean, silky intimates vs. the left over underwear you're forced to wear when laundry day is near? I'll take the lace and bows, thanks!

Over the last couple months, I've purchased an unnatural amount of lingerie and thought I would share some of my favourite (and more appropriate) numbers with you, just in time for Valentines day. Now before you get your panties in a bunch, I did buy these items for myself and only for myself. I just so happens that I enjoy wearing lingerie and have made a weekly effort to do so for the last couple years. It makes me feel flirty and uplifted, even on the worst of my days. The little things really do make a difference.

Longline Bra Torrid | Lace Thong La Vie en Rose | Pearls Aldo
All black lingerie is my go-to combination for bras and panties. This bra has to be my all-time favourite. It is single handedly the best bra Torrid has ever sold and I wear it more than I'd like to admit. Pared with a lace bottom and some pearls for a sexier, night time look.

Lace Plunge Bra La Vie en Rose | Lace Bottoms La Senza | Heart Necklace Aldo
Beige lingerie is my second favourite, behind black of course. (I'm boring, I know!) It's feminine without being overly ridiculous, and I love the way it looks on all skin tones... LOVE IT!

Zip Front Tank Dream Diva | Patterned Boy Shorts La Senza | Lipstick Stila's "Fuchsia" | Polish Essie's "Bachelorette Bash"
When I'm feeling a little colourful, I opt for one of these numbers. Not as sexy, a little more sporty, but adorable nonetheless. I often fall in love with printed items but don't always want the matching pieces. I started buying a non-matching, correspond piece in one of the prints colours, always works!

P.s. Stila lip colour... UH-MAZING. That is all.

Strapless Bra Addition Elle | Boy Shorts C/O Hips & Curves | Button Down Old Navy | Thigh High Socks C/O American Apparel
And then there are times that I don't feel like prancing around in lace, and that is when this "boyfriend" look becomes the number 1 choice. There is nothing better than basics that fit perfectly. This casual look is still sexy while being comfortable... Best of both worlds, right?

(Photos courtesy of Hipsandcurves)

Now, for the fun part of this post! To get your lingerie collection started, I will be giving away a $50 gift card to Hips & Curves. All you have to do to enter is 1) Follow this blog via Google and 2) leave a comment below with your email address and your favorite piece from the Hips & Curves website! A winner will be chosen on Valentine's Day. Good luck everyone!

Winter Florals

2012-01-18T19:02:00.008-05:00

Eighteen days into the year, and its still above zero... This is unreal! I hope you're all enjoying the beginning of 2012! It almost feels like spring here in Toronto, and what do you do when the weather is cooperating? Use the time to bring all your "winter un-friendly" outfits out from the back of your closet, of course.

I snapped 2 quick photos of what I wore this afternoon, before my camera completely died. *SIGH* Now I must say, I've never been a fan of floral print, but I've also never given it a chance; So when Dream Diva was kind enough to send me a few pieces, I promised myself I would try these shorts. I mean, they are just to pretty to keep packed away, am I right?

Shorts C/O Dream Diva | Sweater Dorothy Perkins | Jacket & Belt GAP | Necklace Aldo

NYE Sneak Peak

2011-12-31T17:27:00.008-05:00

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I cannot believe this year is already over. It seems like the older you get, the faster these years pass you by! I am spending NYE with a few of my close friends, and since I will not be bringing my camera, I thought I'd snap a few shots of my outfit for tonight. It's -3° here, so the goodness of this dress will be covered in boots and a jacket, but you get the feel of the outfit, right? What are you all doing tonight? Whatever it is, I hope you all have a safe NYE and an amazing start to your new year.

Dress F21 | Earrings & Clutch ASOS

The Dreaded Bikini

2011-12-27T17:58:00.017-05:00

I am back from spending my Christmas break in Jamaica, now let's cut to the chase: I'm fat and I'm wearing a Bikini, and thanks to Gabi, I found the perfect one. This Figleaves bikini has got to be the best bathing suit I have ever owned. I'm a pretty plain girl (don't laugh, it's true!) and I usually don't go for prints, but I figured "I'll be half naked anyways, why not!"

Now you may or may not have noticed that my body contains rolls, flab and cellulite, and I'm sure this bothers some people, but to be honest, I don't care! If the sight of my body disgusts people, that's not my issue. I've spent my whole life learning to love my body for what it is, and now that I do, nothing, certainly not a bathing suit, is going to change that! I hope you all had wonderful holiday's and I'll be back soon with a post about my trip. :)

Bikini Figleaves | Shirt Dorothy Perkins | Glasses ASOS

Spots & Stripes

2011-12-11T17:35:00.017-05:00

Jacket Old Navy | Shirt ASOS Men | Velvet Tights Torrid | Bag & Glasses eBay | Scarf Aldo | Shoes BFT

It's exam week and I'm sick... That pretty much explains the lack of updates! I've realized that when I don't feel like posing for outfit photos, my face looks like I'm ready to kill someone. (One of the many flaws of having chronic bitch face!)

Now, if you follow me on twitter, you're aware that I have not been Torrid's biggest fan. My reasoning? Well... shipping is expensive (40$ to Canada!) a lot of there clothing isn't my style, and the fit has been extremely hit and miss for me in the past, but I finally sucked it up, and ordered a few things on cyber Monday. I must say, these tights are pretty amazing, and I am happy with everything else I received. I'm a happy shopper again Torrid, thank you.

As for the lack of winter attire, it still isn't below zero here in Toronto! It snowed once, and we never saw it again. I'm trying to abuse the warm-ish weather while we still have it!

Christmas Wishlist 2011

2011-12-07T21:19:00.011-05:00

It's that time of year again guys... Time to hang those glittery decorations from everything possible, increase your Starbucks intake because of their pretty holiday cups, and clear out your bank account for the ones you love... It's Christmas time!

Now, I can't say that I'm really into the Christmas spirit this year and I'm almost positive it's because I will be spending my Christmas day on a beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. As amazing as that will be, it's pretty difficult to drink apple cider and frolic in fresh snow while on a sun kissed beach... (I'm seriously not complaining, I'm just saying it can't happen!) The trip in itself is a gift, but here is a list of things I'd like for Christmas anyways!

1. Dannijo - $318 Sinatra Bib Necklace
2. Zana Bayne - $200 Hex Harness
3. Fig Leaves - $66 Bikini Set (Not Shown Above)
4. Tokidoki - $20 Prisma Lip Gloss
5. Boutique 9 - $170 'Demarko' Bootie

6. Thabto $22 Knuckle Duster Mug
7. Hips & Curves $7.95 Cuban Heel Thigh Highs
8. Herringbone Bags - $190 Fuchsia Clutch
9. Michael Kors - $255 Black Out Chronograph Watch
10. EOS - $3.25 Honeysuckle Honeydew Organic Lip Balm

Instagram

2011-11-27T18:28:00.006-05:00

Almost everyone with access to the internet has seen an Instagram photo, and let me just say that I am beyond obsessed with this app! Now for those of you who don't know what Instagram is, it's a photo-taking and photo-sharing app for iPhone (and iPad for the fancy few.) It's pretty much twitter through photos, minus the 140 characters. There are a number of cute filters and effects that make snapping cellphone photos, a bit more luxurious. Here are a few photos that I've posted over my short time using the app, and if you have an account, feel free to follow me at @_franceta.

Don't Be So Ashamed...

2011-11-21T16:55:00.017-05:00

Cape ASOS | Shirt Old Navy| Pants Evans | Boots Blowfish | Bag eBay | Necklace Forever21

I, am, alive... Sort of. School has been crazy, but amazing. Blah blah blah, that old story! I pretty much dress like a bum when school gets crazy, thus the lack of updates, but as soon as I figure out the daylight savings timing for taking photos, I'll be back in business. I love this cape more than anyone will ever understand. Its pretty much the most amazing thing I've ever bought for under $15. Thank God for ASOS mid-season sales.

P.S. "Take Care" has not been turned off since the leak a couple of weeks ago. Clearly I bought the album despite the leak (PROOF!) but honestly, it's that amazing. Not a single bad song. Good job Drake!

All In The Spirit Of Halloween...I Think.

2011-10-31T18:37:00.005-04:00

Jacket Old Navy | Leather Vest (Under) Forever21 | Skirt Gisela Ramirez | Dress DIY | Scarf AA

I'm about to head out for some much needed Halloween fun, and by "fun" I mean robbing my little cousins of their favorite candy and claiming it as my own. I don't really know if this is in the spirit of Halloween, or if my inner goth has been suppressed for too long, but this is what happened.

Oh, let me officially go on the record and say that Martha Stewart's Onyx Craft Glitter is single-handedly the best thing that has ever happened to my nails. Yes, it feels a bit like sand paper, and yes, I put a run in my pantyhose this morning with my glittery nail, but it's kind of worth it... *shrug* Anyways, let me proceed with my evening of treat snatching,

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Puffer

2011-10-23T16:55:00.008-04:00

Vest & Sweater Old Navy | Pants Evans | Shoes 80%20 | Bag eBay | Watch Michael Kors | Hat H&M

It's been raining and windy for the last few weeks here in Toronto, forcing me to wear boots, thick scarves & trench coats for protection, but this weekend has been nothing short of beautiful. A cool breeze and warm sunshine all day, perfect layering weather. I bought this amazing puffer vest from Old Navy last week. They are doing a fabulous job of clearing out my bank account and leaving me beyond broke. Their basics right now are flawless, and on sale! ( the word "sale" pretty much justifies any purchase for me these days...)

I've also been DYING to wear these wedges from 80%20. I bought them at a moment of weakness while on my "shopping ban" and realized they weren't as practical as I convinced myself they'd be. *rolls eyes because I never officially STARTED the shopping ban, but whatever!* The patterned 4" heel gives my boring outfits a little personality, I'll keep them!

Leather And Neon

2011-10-16T18:01:00.018-04:00

Sweater Dorothy Perkins | Jacket GAP | Leather Skirt Leather Cult | Shoes Barefoot Tess | Necklaces Aldo, Forever21, DIY | Bag Cambridge Satchel Company
IT WASN'T A SCAM SITE, THE SKIRT IS ALIVE! You already know what I'm going to say... Go buy this freaking skirt. Hands down, this is my favorite clothing item that I've ever purchased. Now, you're all thinking "but Franceta, you say that about everything you buy..." and you would be 100% right (I even said this about the neon bag in these photos!) but this pretty much takes the cake... the crown, the throne... it's just amazing.

This has become an "everyday outfit" for me. A knit sweater, black bottoms, a chunky necklace, one of my 4 trench coats and a colourful bag. There is really only one reason for this... I'm lazy and it's simple, that's it! I'd like to pretend I'm this trend savvy girl and that I was going for the "neon look" but I truly just love this colour, and try to incorporate it into my outfits, daily. It's going to suck when the trend dies and my love for the colour remains... *sigh*

Fall Purchases: Plain and Simple

2011-09-30T21:08:00.012-04:00

I've been doing an unhealthy amount of shopping over the last few weeks (I'm totally blaming ASOS and their 50% off sale for pushing me over the edge), and thought I'd share a few items out of the dozens I've actually bought. Did you really expect anything more than the basics from me? I didn't think so! I've tried to fight this urge for minimalist perfection, but always succumb to the beige coloured, stripe filled, black leathery goodness of plain pieces. I've decided to stop fighting this battle and just accept that I have boring wants!

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1. Pleated Leather Skirt - Custom made from leathercult.com 2. Keyhole Sunglasses - eBay 3. Rope Necklace - Dorothy Perkins
4. Metal Tip Clutch - ASOS 5. Cut Out Oxford Heels - Barefoottess.com 6. Striped Shirt - ASOS (Men's Range) 7. Skinny Belt - ASOS Curve
8. Button Down Shirt Dress - Dorothy Perkins 9. Oversized Knit Sweater - Dorothy Perkins 10. Over The Knee Leather Boots - Blowfish
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I was in desperate need of leather goods, so much so that I scoured the depths of the internet to find this beauty. To be honest, I'm thinking this site is a scam site, but my desperation left me vulnerable to taking that risk. I screamed when I found a pleated leather skirt, for under a hundred dollars, custom made to my size... I just had to take the risk. *shakes head into a faceplam* To be quite honest, everything purchased after this skirt was bought to be worn with it... Can you fall in love with an item of clothing you've never met? Lets hope I'm not left disappointed like the many times before, and if I am, I also bought this ASOS Curve Suede Drapey Skirt to cry myself to sleep with, so all will be well!

Say Hello, Then Say Farewell To The Places You Know

2011-09-26T16:56:00.022-04:00

Sweater Old Navy | Stripe Shirt Forever 21 | Pants Torrid | Necklace Aldo | Bag Dorothy Perkins | Shoes BFT

A few of you have emailed me about the virus page that was appearing when you tried to view this blog; from what I can tell, Google has cleared up this issue, so hopefully everything is back to normal. Thank you to those of you who noticed and informed me about this issue!

I'm about to head out for a bite to eat with some old friends and I thought I'd snap a few photos for you guys before doing so. Honestly, today I went to school in a completely different outfit, and came home to change... I'm such a imposter sometimes. I'm sure if anyone ever recognized me from this blog, they would think I was a complete fraud, lol.

Can I just take a moment to say that this shirt is single-handedly the best thing I have EVER found in a forever 21 store. Every time I wear it, I get a bunch of complements, but also a hand full of creeps staring straight into my cleavage... I guess you can't win them all. *shrug*

I Was Just Totally Clueless

2011-09-20T17:49:00.008-04:00

Sweater & Skirt H&M | Button Down Old Navy | Necklace & Bag Aldo | Boots Doc Martin

The whole button down shirt under a sweater thing, has some how become my "go to look" over the last few weeks. This combo reminds me a lot of Alicia Silverstone's character Cher Horowitz in Clueless, but with a personal twist (the doc martins, of course!) I have to admit, though she wore every pastel colour known to man, she was always polished and slightly overdressed... Two things I'm trying to apply to my daily dressing regiment.

I've found that fashion students tend to overdress on a daily basis, and somewhere in the sea of sky-high heels, make-up, and perfectly primped hair, I'm trying to keep my integrity and stay true to my own personal style. So far, I'm succeeding, lets hope this continues throughout the year. Anyways, I can almost guarantee that you'll all be sick of me wearing variations of this outfit by the time fall is finished. :)

Back to School

2011-09-18T23:40:00.011-04:00

As you can tell from my lack of posts, I went back to school. On September 6th, I started my two year fashion design program. Now normally, I'm very good at multitasking whatever life throws at me, but this time, not so much. Being out of school for a year has made my time management & organizational skills, rusty. Thus, putting blogging on a back burner. I hope to get a few outfit posts up soon, update you guys on a few of my projects, but for now, here are some shots of my fresh (and overly expensive) school supplies.

It's A Chartreuse Addiction

2011-08-26T20:45:00.012-04:00

Skirt DIY | Top Joe Fresh | Necklace Aldo | Earrings Forever21 | Shoes BFT
Oh Chartreuse, how I love you. You make me smile on gloomy days. You make my love for black, okay. What would I do without you? I'd be lost in a sea of neutrals, without a splash of color to use. People think I'm crazy for you, and they're right, I'm obsessed. *sigh* I love you Chartreuse, don't ever leave me.

My ode to Chartreuse aside, I couldn't find the neon yellow skirt of my dreams anywhere, so I made one. Bought this fabric for something around $2, and a piece of elastic for ¢50... If that wasn't a bargain, I don't care to know what is! I fell in love with this Joe Fresh shirt as well. The sequin polka-dot's give some interest to what normally would have been an extremely boring outfit.

P.S. I need some new heels, I know, don't remind me!