The Owl and the Peacock

Monochromatic

2015-11-02T15:00:00.001-05:00

Monochromatic by btstyleguru featuring cashmere sweaters

Fall Fashion for Less

2014-10-03T14:44:00.001-04:00

Fall Fashion for Less by btstyleguru featuring navy shoes

You don't have to break the bank to have high style. For great fall pieces, check out Joe Fresh, H&M, Aldo Shoes, Forever 21 and Smart Set. All items are available for less than $30!

All about layers!

2014-09-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Layers by btstyleguru featuring leather equestrian boots

With the cooler mornings upon us and warmer afternoons, it sometimes makes it tricky to dress appropriately. That's why layering is great! A perfectly layered look will compliment your curves and create the illusion of a more proportional silhouette.

Tip: Keep the under-layers more fitted to keep your shape looking more streamlined.

Fringe Benefits

2014-09-10T07:46:00.002-04:00

From cocktail dresses to boots, fun, flowy tassels are back for fall. Whether you want to chanel your inner rock star, or want to create a more bohemian style, fringe is the way to go!
Because this trend has the potential to be overpowering, wearing fringe is all about balance. Fringe tops allow for other parts of your wardrobe to either be very chic or casual.
As with most trends, if you’re not willing to make a full-on commitment, working fringe into your accessories – bags, scarves, shoes, jewelry, is a smart way to go.

How will you wear fringe this fall?

Fringe Benefits by btstyleguru featuring a satchel purse

Beat the Heat

2014-05-22T12:50:00.002-04:00

Beat the Heat by btstyleguru featuring an embroidered maxi skirt

Summer is fast approaching! As much as we love the longer days and warmer weather, our Canadian summers can be down right sweltering. To beat the heat look for lighter coloured clothing, looser cuts and breathable fabrics.

Fancy Florals

2014-04-29T08:26:00.004-04:00

Fancy Florals by btstyleguru featuring floral print high top sneakers

Let's celebrate spring with one of the top trends of the season. They may not be groundbreaking, but they will forever be considered the embodiment of spring and a reminder of the warmer days to come.
How do you wear florals?

Shades of Pink

2014-04-25T08:15:00.002-04:00

Shades of Pink by btstyleguru featuring skinny jeans

When in doubt, think pink. From pale blush hues to super bright, pink remains a major trend for Spring and Summer. Who else is looking forward to a new season seen through rose, fuchsia, or blush coloured glasses?

Earth Day Fashions

2014-04-22T07:32:00.001-04:00

Earth Day Fashions by btstyleguru featuring monet jewellery

In honor of Earth Day, here are some fun and eco-conscious fashions to inspire you to thrift, rework, recycle and start your own green movement!

Happy Easter

2014-04-16T17:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Easter by btstyleguru featuring a succulent terrarium

Easter 2014 is fast approaching. It's a holiday full of hunting for eggs, chocolate bunnies and quality family time. So why not get into the spirit of things with some fun bunny-themed fashions and house wares?

Splash of Colour

2014-04-14T07:53:00.001-04:00

Splash of Colour by btstyleguru featuring crew tops

Colour is one way to instantly add a punch to your wardrobe. Fun bright colours not only help to lift your spirits, they also help to add life to your basic wardrobe staples. Try adding a brightly colour blazer or jacket with your favourite jeans. Or jazz up your denim shirt with a boldly coloured skirt and revive a sweatshirt with a pink short.

There! A dose of happy.

Fun & Fashionable Rain Boots

2014-04-08T09:52:00.001-04:00

Fun & Fashionable Rain Boots by btstyleguru featuring wedge boots

Gone are the days of boring and clunky rain boots. They now come in all kinds of styles, colours and patterns so there is no need to sacrifice your outfit anymore. Try out one of these options and you'll never dread another rainy day again.

Spring Jackets

2014-04-05T15:02:00.001-04:00

Spring Jackets by btstyleguru featuring a duster coat

Apparently it's Spring. The bad news, it's still pretty cold outside, the good news, warmer weather is on it's way! However, while we patiently await the rise in temperatures, we are left wondering what the hell kind of jacket do I wear in this weather?

I for one am putting my winter coat away. It has served it purpose and this past winter, it has gotten A LOT of wear. Unfortunately it's not jean jacket or cardigan weather yet - so here are some samples of lighter Spring Toppers to get you through.

Mixing Prints

2014-04-03T20:25:00.001-04:00

Mixing Prints by btstyleguru featuring Alberta Ferretti

It might seem scary at first, but once you get a handle on print mixing, it can change your life. Ok, so maybe not your life, but at least how you view your wardrobe! Think about it — when you can start creating combos that you've never tried before, your potential wardrobe combinations are seemingly endless. What do you think about mixing prints? Love it? Hate it? Can't wait to try it?

Mixing Prints

2014-04-03T20:24:00.001-04:00

Mixing Prints by btstyleguru featuring green jeans

Spring Trends 2014

2014-04-02T08:40:00.003-04:00

Spring Trends 2014 by btstyleguru featuring H&M

Spring Trends 2014

2014-04-02T08:40:00.001-04:00

Spring Trends 2014 by btstyleguru featuring cargo pants

H M outerwear
$50 - hm.com

Cargo pants
$55 - katies.com.au

Spring Trends 2014

2014-04-02T08:37:00.001-04:00

Spring Trends 2014 by btstyleguru featuring cargo pants

H M outerwear
$50 - hm.com

Cargo pants
$55 - katies.com.au

Shop your shape: Pear

2013-06-12T09:06:00.000-04:00

Shop you shape: Pear

You are a pear shape if you carry your weight around your hips and bottom. You have a beautifully defined waist and narrow shoulders.

If your hips are your trouble zone - you're not alone. The pear shape is one of the most common body types. There are plenty of stylish suits that will help accentuate your slender upper body.

When shopping for a suit:

- Choose a top that's a lighter colour than the bottom, or has some noticeable, standout feature.

- Contrary to popular belief, a boy short will only bring attention to a larger booty! Look for a high cut bottom since this will give the illusion of a longer, leaner leg.

- Embellishments such as ruffles or rhinestones, placed on the top half of your swimsuit, will help to balance out pear shaped proportions. Padded tops are also a good choice for balancing a pear shaped figure.

- Halter tops are a great choice to draw attention to your lovely shoulders.

- If you want to go for fun prints, make sure the print is a good size. If the print is too small, it will make you look large in comparison. Bigger prints do a better job at camouflaging, and tricking the eye.

Pic Glamour Magazine

Pic Miss Posh

Pic Forever 21

Shop your shape: Apple

2013-06-03T09:42:00.002-04:00

Shop you shape: Apple

You are an apple shape if you carry your weight around your middle have no defined waist but lovely slim legs and arms and narrow hips. Your bust could be large or small.

If your tummy is your trouble-zone, more so than your hips - you're not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish suits that offer some camouflage & help to create the illusion of a more defined waist. Side-detailing, wrap styles, and ruching all help to make the middle look slimmer.

When shopping for a suit, keep an eye out for:

- Swimwear that provides support for the stomach. Many of today's styles offer some sort of built in tummy control lining that can reduce the appearance of the stomach and help to create a more slender silhouette.

- Ruching or shirring at the sides and middle gives the appearance of definition to the waistline.

- A swim suit with built in bust support is important. These built in bras can either be soft cup or underwire.

- Halter tops and suits with a deep V or plunging neckline are also a great option for an apple shape. They help by creating length and bringing the eye up towards the face and neck.

- Wrap tops are also great options since they not only draw attention to the bust, but help in creating the appearance of definition to the waist.

Lane Bryant

Sorella Swim

Swimsuits for All

Next up: Shop your shape - Pear

It's that time again...swimsuit season!

2013-05-30T07:22:00.003-04:00

Pic Malia Mills

All right ladies. Let's do this! The weather is finally getting warmer, & summer is right around the corner which means now is the time to get out there and find the perfect suit. Courage my loves - it can be done!

No matter what our size may be, most women have moments of anxiety when exposing so much skin.

Here are my top tips to get yourself prepared to brave the beach in comfort and style.

1. Plan Ahead
Don't just haphazardly walk into a store and decide to buy a swimsuit, and don't leave it to the last minute and buy the first suit you see. Please, do yourself a favour and don’t buy a suit that is too small and tell yourself you will lose weight by summer. Or conversely, select one that is a size too big and may fall off when splashing around in the water. And if you're one size on top and another on the bottom—like most women—look for stores where they sell separates.

2. Go Alone
I think it is less stressful to go alone when it comes to a buying a swimsuit. What matters is that you feel good in the suit. That trumps everything and everyone else. If you try on a bathing suit, and feel good in it, then go with it. You will no doubt hit the beach with confidence.

3. Ignore the Lighting
I remember standing in a dressing room wearing, what I felt was a great bikini, when I saw dimples on my legs that I had never seen before. I was furious - but I tried to keep my cool. The suit fit me well. It highlighted my best features and it also fit my personality. Dimples or no dimples, this suit suited me. When I got home, I tried it on again, far away from the harsh unflattering, want to crawl under a rock lighting of the dressing room, and I was happy with what I saw. Phew.

4. Fit & Function
Think about comfort and fit rather than trends. Like when shopping for clothes, pick a suit that is YOU. Some swim suits can be plain and simple while others can be bold & bright, choosing one that highlights your personality will make you feel good all the time. Equally important is function. If you are going to be running around chasing after your kids, the two piece string bikini may be out of the question! So be sure to pick a style that is appropriate for the setting.

5. Accessorize
Buying a cute cover up, sunglasses, hat, and sandals will make your outfit more complete. Instead of hiding behind an oversized shirt, buy a pretty sarong that will make you feel beautiful and self assured.

6. Own It!
Once you've made your choice, own it. Wear that new suit confidently. There is nothing more attractive than confidence, so embrace that beautiful body of yours and have a good time wherever you are.

Do you have your own tips for surviving buying a new swimsuit? If so, please share them!

Next up - Shop your shape. Styles that suit your body type.

What makes you, YOU?

2013-05-27T08:15:00.001-04:00

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

What inspires you? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? What moves you? Drives you? Excites you?

If you look at business magazines or motivational books, often you find sections that encourage you to make a list of all the things that make you stand out. What makes your business or your services better than the competition. However, I think this is an important exercise that everyone should do.

I was inspired to write and share this post because this exercise helped me to focus on my core values as a person and as a business owner. It also helped me to prepare for my first TV interview on CKWS. The other reason why I am sharing this is because of a conversation I had with a friend this morning. All too often we let negative thoughts into our heads. It's OK to acknowledge fears, doubts, & insecurities, but it's equally important to push past them. That's how we grow. That's how we build confidence. That how we build trust in ourselves.

Grab a coffee, a pen and paper and take some time to find out more about yourself. You may be surprised with what you find!

Write a list of all of your talents.

Write down the things that make you a great friend, mother, sister...

Write down a good deed you did for someone and how it made you feel.

Write down at least one thing that you love about yourself.

I am at my best when...

Write down at least one thing that you feel is missing from your life. Brainstorm and jot down ways you might be able to bring it back into your life.

Set a goal to try at least one new thing this summer.

Stand tall.

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
― Dr. Seuss

Stylish mom on the go

2013-05-01T12:32:00.002-04:00

Why not give your mom the gift of style this Mother's day?! It's an ideal gift for a mom who loves to shop but has everything and is, therefore, impossible to shop for. Just think about it...your mom will be catered to by a shopping companion who won't get tired of going from store to store. By helping her make the right clothing decisions, listening to her needs and working with her unique body type and budget, there is no doubt your mom will feel like a queen ~~for a day~~.

Spring style for the busy mom-on-the-go!

Stylish mom on the go by btstyleguru featuring slip on sneakers

What I'm coveting...

2013-04-08T15:26:00.002-04:00

When the sun starts shining, the birds start chirping and the days grow longer I am almost always in the mood to go shopping!

{I am sure my husband would say that I am ALWAYS in the mood to go shopping.}

Here are just a few items that are on my OMG I Want list.

BCBGenerations Available at Heel Boy

Steve Madden Mint Fringe Purse available at Winners

Off Duty Sweatshirt available online at http://sincerelyjules.bigcartel.com

Ankle Length Trouser available at H&M

Embellished Tank from Topshop available at The Bay online

What are you coveting this Spring?

Super Easy Bunny Ears

2013-03-30T09:21:00.004-04:00

Pipe cleaner bunny ears. Super easy & pretty cute.

All you need to make one set of bunny ears, are 6 pipe cleaners.

First, take two pipe cleaners and measure around your child's head, then attached them together creating a small crown. Then take two more pipe cleaners and twist them together to create the shape of an ear. Then twist one end around the crown to secure it on. Do the same thing with the last two pipe cleaners.

You can always make the bunny ears smaller by using one pipe cleaner instead of two.

You can leave them just like that, or if you want to reinforce the headband, you can wrap it with strips of fabric (pictured below).

Total time to make = 5mins. Amount of time my girls wore them = 5mins. I call that a successful craft!

Getting ready for Spring!

2013-03-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

Thinking about which new trend to incorporate into your wardrobe each season can be very overwhelming. Although fashion is constantly changing, and trends always come and go, chances are you have a few of these items in your closet already. Here are a some Spring 2013 fashion trends that I think are very wearable and easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.

Bermuda Shorts ~ My personal favourites! Can be slouchy or streamlined and any size or shape can pull them off with ease. Pair them with flats or heels for a dressed up or casual look.

Black and White ~ This season black and white has been completely reinvented. Think pattern & bold details. Look for checkered print shirts or a white blazer with heavy black detailing to combine this trend in to your own spring wardrobe.

Lovely Lace ~ Tops and dresses with lacy cutouts. Adds a touch of femininity and elegance.

Statement Necklace ~ Your accessories this season should make a statement. Think big, bold and bright.

Leather ~ Pick up a kick-ass pair of pants (like the ones pictured below) or a leather skirt or a jacket with leather sleeves.

Low Heels ~ Yay! Now that's a trend I hope is here to stay. Not that high heels aren't fun and sexy...I’m just saying a low heel is particularly hot this season. Awesome!

You don’t have to revamp your entire wardrobe to be fashion savvy. Simply owning a few key pieces that take you from season to season, year to year, then all you need to do is add a few new things to refresh your closet.

What trend are you looking forward to trying this Spring?