The Lee Diaries

Blue My Mind

2013-06-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

Top: Ann Taylor | Pants: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Zara

Clutch: Vintage | Sunglasses: Versace (similar here)

I love this clutch. My mom found it at a garage sale years ago, and it's definitely one of my favorite items that she has discovered on her adventures. Of course this is next too the brand new, never opened, scrapbooking kit she found me - I LOVE scrapbooking. You'd be surprised at the things you can find at garage sales. My mom swears by them, and every year she surprises me with one of a kind, vintage items. Now if only you didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn...

Anyways, hope everyone has a great day!

Neon Stripes

2013-06-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Top: Forever 21 (similar here & here) | Pants: Zara (similar here)

Shoes: Sam Edeleman | Bag: Target (similar here & here) | Sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar here)

Our city is slowly getting back to normal. It's amazing to see how everyone has come together to help rebuild. If you live in the Calgary area you can sign up to be part of a volunteer database, they will contact you if your help is needed! Please visit YYChelps.

It sounds like the Calgary Stampede be will be a go! Calgarian's have adopted the popular slogan "Come Hell or High Water". You can support Southern Alberta by purchasing a t-shirt with this slogan printed on it. You can find these t-shirts here! I know i'll be rocking mine this Stampede!

Thank you to the lovely blogging ladies who supported my last post, and helped me to get the word out there! Your support means so much!

FLOOD RELIEF DONATIONS:

Rogers/Fido users can make a $5 donation by sending a free text message "ABHELP" to 4664.
Telus users can make a $5 donation by sending a free text message "REDCROSS" to 30333.

Alberta Flooding

2013-06-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

As briefly mentioned in my last post, I talked about the devastating flooding that has taken place in Southern Alberta since last Thursday. While I plan on talking about my own personal experience with the flooding, I certainly recognize that my family and I have been EXTREMELY lucky in comparison to other families who's lives have been devastated by these events. Over the course of the last few days, over 100,000 people have been forced from their homes - not knowing what kind of state their house will be in when they return. While we were evacuated, our house was not damaged in any way.

(Submerged cars in High River, Alberta)

Waking up Thursday morning, I could not have imagined the tragedy and misfortune that our Province was set to experience. A state of Local Emergency was declared Thursday morning with six communities initially placed under mandatory evacuation. Later on that evening another eight communities were evacuated, with new communities being added to that list with what seemed to be hourly. Sure enough my own community of Deer Run was added to that list at midnight - cop cars lined our street and went knocking door to door telling everyone to leave their homes. So we packed up our things, and headed to my sister's condo (two large dogs in tow). Needless to say, none of us had any sleep that night wondering about the state of our home.

(A sign by the river close to our house, taken by me hours before we were evacuated)

Yesterday afternoon our power was restored, and the evacuation notice was lifted for my community. While we were lucky, our house was left virtually untouched by flood water, many houses in and around Southern Alberta were not. My heart goes out to the individuals who's houses have been damaged, and who remain unable to return to their homes. It warms my heart to hear stories of the hero's who have been helping our communities. From simple acts like having friends send us dinner when we were left without power, to individuals donating generators, pumps, and fans to communities without electricity. I cannot also forget to mention the individuals who have opened their homes to complete strangers - giving people who have lost so much a place to rest their head.

(Police keeping our streets safe overnight)

Our Mayor Naheed Nenshi tweeted Friday night, "Know that we'll get through this together. The spirit of Calgary has never burned more brightly". The public servants who have been working day and night to restore our city cannot be thanked enough. To the police officer who personally knocked on our door, to the thousands of other police officers, firefighters, military members, health care workers, and everyday citizens who have joined hands in restoring our city to what it once was. I know I speak for all of Alberta when I send our sincerest gratitude your way. It gives me goosebumps to see how worldwide communities have been contributing to the tragedy here in Alberta. The Red Cross alone has raised 2.1M so far to help with relief and rebuilding efforts (please see below on how you can donate).

(a personal photo taken of the Bow River by our house)

Our Mayor, Nayeed Nenshi, has been an exceptional leader in this time of crisis. He has amazingly maintained a calm, steady manner when the city he is leading has been taken from him by forces beyond anyone's control. And a midst all of this chaos, sadness and desperation - our Mayor has been able to make us laugh.

While over 65, 000 people were allowed to return to their homes as of this morning - our neighbors south of us in Medicine Hat are bracing themselves for the worst. With the Saskatchewan River expecting to crest Monday morning, approx. 10, 000 more people have been evacuated from their homes. Our thoughts are with you.

(A bridge destroyed by the flooding)

To those of you not familiar with the Calgary Stampede -we call it 'the greatest show on earth'. Once a year in early July Calgarian's don their cowboy boots and rock their best Canadian Tuxedo for 10 days of debauchery and celebrations. With this years Stampede set to start July 4th (a mere 12 days away) Calgarian's cannot help but wonder if in fact, the show will go on. The grounds where we hold our beloved Stampede remains totally submerged in water - as well as most of our downtown area. With all of the tragedy and sadness that has occurred over the past 4 days we are in need of something to boost our spirits. And what a better way to do that than with our friends, family, and tourists from all over the world. While it may not look the same, there is no doubt in my mind that the city will ensure Calgary will in fact have something to celebrate. As Mayor Nenshi stated, "We're Calgarians. We're going to make it work". The Stampede is a symbol of patriotism to our city/country, and a uniting of friends/family for a beer in celebration of our wonderful home we call Calgary, Alberta.

(The Calgary Stampede grounds/Saddledome - the center of our annual Stampede)

I'd like to thank all my family/friends who have offered up their homes to my family. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for all the love and kindness that has been sent our way.

What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. This quote could not be more true for southern Albertan's right now. Over the next few weeks I look forward to reading amazing stories of heroism and bravery - and of communities facing this tragedy together. Thank you for reading!

To donate to the Canadian Red Cross please call 1-800-418-1111 or go online to www.redcross.ca.

Text 30333 to automatically donate $5 to flood relief

Designer Spotlight: Sophia Webster

2013-06-23T09:59:00.002-07:00

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

So I was reading my latest issue of Lou Lou magazine the other day, and I came across a picture of these adorable, candy colored shoes. One thing lead to the other and I was up until the late hours googling 'Sophia Webster'. Sophia worked as an assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood, up until debuting her own line. Her spring 2013 line marks her first official collection. Ill take one of each please. The pricing isn't bad either. While they aren't exactly priced for a gal on a budget, they don't fall into the category of 'when I win the lottery' either.

I like to stretch out from the norm when it comes to my shoe collection. And that is why I have fallen in love with this new designer. When I look at her shoes I feel eating a bag of sour patch kids and taking a stroll through Candy Land. Her collection is playful, fun, imaginative - but most of all its unique. Well done Sophia!

For those of you who have seen the news recently you've probably heard about the devastating flooding that has taken place in southern Alberta over the last few days. The flooding has resulted in over 100,000 people being evacuated from their homes - including my family and I. But in times of need it amazes me to see how people band together and help each other out. I read an article today saying the Red Cross has reached over 2 million in donations. I plan on doing a post later today or tomorrow covering more of the flooding. We just got our power back yesterday, however our internet is painfully slow. Talk soon!

Baroque Print

2013-06-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Top: Aritzia (also seen here) | Pants: Forever 21 | Shoes: Zara

Wristlet: Forever 21 (love this & this) | Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Bracelets: Pandora/Tiffany & Co (gifts ^_^ )

Hi everyone! More printed pants, I know. I should change my blog name too The Printed Pant Diaries. I can't help it, I love them.

Baroque print first became popular in the 90's by Versace. Its amazing how this print really has stood the test of time. While most trends seem to come and go, baroque always seems to be in fashion. This is the first baroque piece I have purchased, and I have to say I am quite tickled that I found these bad boys for $27 at Forever 21. Below are some of my favorite baroque inspirations, and some of the fabulous fashionistas that wear them.

(Jyoti from Style Delights)

(Maria of Crashing Red)

(The Chic Department)

(Bow Ties & Chanel)

Kiss Kiss

2013-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Top: Zara (similar here & here) | Shorts: American Eagle (old)(similar here) | Shoes: Zara (similar here) | Bag: RW&Co | Silver Bracelet: Tiffany & Co (gifted :) )

Orange Pop

2013-06-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Dress: Forever 21 (similar here) Clutch: Forever 21 Shoes: Nordstrom (for American readers you can get these cheaper at solesociety.com) | Sunglasses: Forever 21

Hi everyone! I wore this dress in Vegas, but with different shoes. However, I got these in the mail the other day from Sole Society, so naturally I had to try them on with a few different things. Sole Society is a great website for any shoe lover! All items are reasonably priced, and these particular ones are super comfy which is always a bonus. Only drawback being they don't ship to Canada. However, us Canadian's can visit Nordstrom's where they have a great collection of Sole Society items!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2013-06-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Happy Friday everyone! With Father's Day just around the corner I thought I'd give some of you last minute Larry's some gift ideas for Dad. Hope you have a great weekend!

Patterned Pants, 3 Ways

2013-06-13T07:14:00.001-07:00

I found these pants at Forever 21 a couple weeks ago, and immediately fell in love. Sometimes I have a hard time styling patterned pants because you can be limited to what you are able to pair them with. However when I saw these, outfit ideas just started flooding my brain.

Pants: Forever 21 (similar here)

Top Photo: Top: (old) | Shoes: Aldo (similar here & here) | Sunglasses: Forever 21(similar here)

The Yellow Bliss Road

2013-06-08T08:36:00.001-07:00

Top: Target | Jeans: Zara | Shoes: Bottega Veneta (on sale!) | Sunglasses: Coach

Clutch: Vintage | Bracelet: Swarovski | Ring: Tiffany & Co (gifted)

I've been loving yellow as of late. Pale, neon. You name it. The color yellow in general just puts me in a good mood. Alot of people think yellow is hard to wear, but it really isn't. I always pair cool toned yellows with silver jewelry, and warm toned yellows with gold. And then I add in color where possible. Remember the color wheel? As for which shade of yellow to choose, I go by these rules based on skin tone:

Pale Skin: Dark mustard yellows or pale yellows. Try to avoid neon or primary yellow as it can make you look even paler.

Medium/Olive Skin: Neon, bright, or primary yellows look best on tanned skin. You can also go for pale yellow as it won't wash you out.

Dark Skin: Gold yellows look best again dark skin as it will bring out the gold tones. Dark skinned gals actually have it the best when it comes to yellow, because they can pretty much wear any shade they want!

What yellow pieces do you own/love? What are your favorite shades to wear? Do you agree with my rules above or can you prove me wrong? Let me know!

Left Shirt: Target | Jeans: Zara | Shoes: Converse | Bag: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Target

Right Shirt: Target | Pants: Zara | Clutch: Zara | Shoes: ShopBop

June: On My Radar

2013-06-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Did You Lilac It?

2013-06-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Top: Forever 21 (similar here & here) | Pants: Gap (also seen here) | Bag: Michael Kors

Shoes: Aldo (similar here & here) | Sunglasses: Forever 21

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Thanks for stopping by! xo

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2013-06-03T09:41:00.002-07:00

I love mixing unexpected colors together with my outfits, and I equally love looking at how other people do the same. I always find inspiration for color mixing via pinterest, and/or my favorite bloggers. But where do our favorite fashion bloggers come up with these eye catching combinations? Have you heard of the color wheel? The color wheel is a great wardrobe tool, and I came across this one below on Lauren Conrad's blog! Mixing colors when dressing can be tricky, however if you use these basic color schemes you can achieve a 'best dressed' look every time. There are three different color schemes to use when mixing colors: analogous, complementary, and monochrome. The analogous color scheme means to mix colors that are side by side on the color wheel. Complementary means to mix colors that are across from each other, and a monochromatic color scheme means to mix colors that are all within the same color family. Tip: When using a monochromatic color palette, mix in a neutral to help break up the ensemble. You can also play around with mixing colors that form an 'X' or 'T' on the wheel, or colors that form 90 degree angles to one another. Since brown, white, grey and black are neutrals you can mix them with virtually anything. Below I have examples of each color scheme, as well as some of my own personal favorite color combinations and the bloggers that wear them! If your interested in looking at a more interactive color wheel I highly recommend this one here!

Analogous

Complementary

Monochromatic

Over The Taupe

2013-05-31T04:48:00.001-07:00

Top: Forever 21 (similar here, here & here)| Pants: Forever 21 (similar here & here)

Shoes: Pour La Victoire | Bag: RW & CO | Jewelry: Necklace (Forever 21) Ring (RW & CO) | Sunglasses: Forever 21

Happy Friday everyone! I love these red Pour La Victoire wedges, so I thought I'd share some other fabulous red shoe finds that won't break the bank. Which ones are your favorite?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Wild Side

2013-05-29T09:25:00.002-07:00

Top: Ann Taylor | Coat: River Island (similar here & here) | Pants: Forever 21

Bag: Forever 21 (similar here & here) | Shoes: Forever 21 (similar here, love these)

Bracelet: Costa Blanca (similar here) Ring: Gifted (similar here, love this) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

This top is another one of my many Ann Taylor purchases as of recently. While I absolutely adore Forever 21 - alot of their items feel a little young for me. Sigh. Hot pink sequined short shorts? I like Ann Taylor because not only can a mid-twenty something woman find great items that are young and trendy - so can my mom (age not to be disclosed :p). We even bought the same pair of pants a while ago - I've worn them on my blog already. Can you guess which ones? Plus, how beautiful is Kate Hudson in Ann Taylor's latest campaign?

Dippin' Dots

2013-05-28T08:43:00.003-07:00

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar here or here) | Jacket: River Island (similar here or here)

Pants: Forever 21 (similar here) | Shoes: similar here or here | Bag: Blue Notes (similar here)
Sunglasses: Coach | Lipstick: Nars 'Jungle Red'

Triple pattern play today! Stripes, dots & leopard print. I must be getting brave. I love jeans that aren't your typical blue denim - so more often than not I'm wearing a patterned pair. Tip: Smaller prints will make you appear slimmer, while larger prints will have the opposite effect. That's why I loved the small dots on these particular pants. What are your favorite patterns to mix? Mine are stripes and polka dots - if you couldn't tell.

Shoe Diaries: The Pointy Toe

2013-05-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I've been in love with pointy toe'd shoes lately, so above are some of my current favorites. I thought I would also feature some of my favorite bloggers and how they styled some of these gorgeous heels (or similar styles). Click on each picture to view their post! Now if I can just get my grubby hands on every one of these I would be one ridiculously happy girl...

Valentino Rockstud Pumps

Zara Laminated High Heel Sandals

Kate Spade New York Licorice Pump

Sole Society Blakely Pump

Zara Black & White Combination Heels

Never A Wrong Time For Polka Dots

2013-05-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sweater: Forever 21 (similar here & here & here) | Jeans: Forever 21

Neck Collar: The Bay (similar here) | Shoes: Payless (similar here, LOVE these) | Clutch: Ann Taylor

I love this neck collar I got for Christmas last year from my mom! How genius! It adds a little something to whatever outfit I choose to pair it with. I actually have two of them, both gifts, as I can never seem to find them anywhere! My mom actually tried to make me one, but they were just too difficult and timely.

These shoes I purchased from Payless back when I was in high school (8 years ago, but who's counting?), and they have managed to stand the test of time! I love pointy toed heels, and thankfully they never really go out of style.

Also if you are feeling so inclined, please nominate me for the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards with Next here or by clicking the pink badge on the right! My blog has only been around for about a month or so, so you can nominate me for Best New Fashion Blog and/or Best Newcomer. Thanks guys! ^_^

Chevron Dress with a Pop of Pink

2013-05-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dress: Forever 21 (similar here & here) | Shoes: Forever 21 (similar here & here)

Bag: Danier Leather (similar here & here) Belt: Joe Fresh (similar here)

Sunglasses: Forever 21 | Lipstick: MAC Girl About Town

Hi everyone! Just a quick hello as I have a busy day ahead! I found this dress last season at Forever 21 and I have never really had the chance to wear it! I remembered they paired it with a hot pink bag (photographic memory), and of course I couldn't resist doing the same. I love outfits that have unexpected combinations - and this one was right up my alley!

Black, White & Denim

2013-05-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

Top: Ann Taylor (similar here or here) | Jeans: Gap | Shoes: Dorothy Perkins (sold out) (love these & these)

Bag: Michael Kors | Jewelry: Turquoise bracelet (gifted), Swarovski bracelet | Lipstick: MAC Im-Passioned
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Black and white has been one of my favorite color combinations lately. I love adding a pop of color when rocking this neutral palette to brighten up the look. A turquoise bracelet and bright pink lips was my go to this time around. The barista at Starbuck's told me I looked like Barbie - it really is the little things in life that make me smile.

Yellow With An Edge

2013-05-19T04:42:00.002-07:00

Top: Forever 21 (Cute one here & here) | Bottoms: Forever 21 | Shoes: Aldo (old)(similar here)

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here) | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Ring: Forever 21 (similar here)

Lipstick: Nars 'Jungle Red' | Nail Polish: Sally Hansen New Lengths 'Fiery Hot'

Happy Sunday everyone! I wanted to do a full post yesterday after I got my hair done, however long weekends are usually busy at the hospital - and this weekend was/is no different! Anyways, I've always loved having short hair, but lately I had been trying to grow it out. I've done long hair, short hair, black, brunette, blonde - you name it. And while it was nice being able to put it in a pony tail, or bun, I have to say I am loving my bob so much more! I also am a huge fan of the color! Usually when I go in I get a different color every time - but lately I have been sticking to this same color. Why switch up a good thing? My hairdresser gave me an 'undercut' in the back, meaning the hair underneath is shorter than the hair lying overtop so that it looks more 'wispy'. At least I think that's what it means. As mentioned in my last post, a huge inspiration for me wanting to cut my hair short again was Karlie Kloss. You tube the new Victoria Secret commercial - her hair looks amazing! Also loving Anne Hathway's short cut, as well as Julianne Hough and Halle Berry. And who can forget Victoria Beckham's short hair? Love! What do you all think of shorter hairstyles? Would you ever go short, or do you have a short style already? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

New Haircut

2013-05-18T11:28:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone! So after looking through old pictures I decided that yes, I like my hair better shorter! While I would love to have long thick hair, that just won't happen for me! I've tried growing my hair out, and I just can't do it. So yesterday I went to my hairdresser, Beverly, down at Influence Salon! All the bloggers I religiously follow have long, beautiful hair - but I'm happy to stand out in the crowd! Karlie Kloss in the new Victoria secret commercial? She looks AMAZING. I'm so happy to see an angel with a short cut. So kudos to her!

I've been going to my hairdresser Beverley for years now, and I don't know what I would do without her! I love how I can just go in, give her a brief idea of what I want and she just does it. I have complete trust in her which is so important to have with your hairdresser. For any of you living in Calgary, I would highly recommend Bev and this salon! Influence was founded by Wendy Belanger, and in 2012 Wendy was named Alberta Hairstylist of the year!

Dancing in the Rain

2013-05-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

What's May long weekend without a little rain here in Calgary? I was supposed to go to a outdoor yoga in the dark event last night - and SURPRISE, we got rained out! Anyways, since its the season of rain showers & storms I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate a blog post to some of my favorite rain wear. I sure hope Memorial Day weekend will be nicer for all my American readers! Unfortunately for us prairie province inhabitants - our weekend will be spent trying to stay warm and dry. Well i'm off to my hairdressers now, doing something way different! I can't wait to show you all in my next blog post. Until then...

Monochrome: Nudes & Creams

2013-05-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Top: Zara (similar here) | Pants: Dynamite (another version here)

Shoes: Payless (old) (similar here) | Bag: Coach | Necklace: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Forever 21 (other great ones here)

Hi everyone! One of my favorite trends this season is monochromatic colors. Head to toe pink, yellow, orange - you name it. This time I chose nudes/creams - I've been loving neutral palette's lately. This trend is especially great for shorter gals like myself. Wearing clothing all in the same color family can lengthen your frame and make you appear taller. And if your short like me, you will do anything to appear taller! I'm also loving the cutout trend this spring, and this top from Zara was perfect!

May: On My Radar

2013-05-15T09:49:00.002-07:00

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

So I was thinking, I'd like to start a new monthly blog post here on The Lee Diaries. Once a month i'll be posting a few of my favorite things and some items that are currently on my wish list. What's on your wishlist? Let me know!