Sports Bra = "Showtime"?

About the most difficult thing about having larger boobs is find a bra that fits comfortably.  I know because I'm blessed in the boob department and spent years trying to find well fitted bras.  Turns out they are in speciality stores and made by designer labels, and often can be upwards of $100.  That being said, there is something to be said for having the girls supported without feeling pinched, stuffed or smushed into an off the rack bra from the mall or outlet.

Finding a sports bra that fits well is a whole other challenge in itself when your girls are bigger than a C-cup.  I suppose this is why Victoria's Secret is now making sports bras...but in their own special, special Victoria's Secret way.  Their sports bra is called Showtime and it claims to double your breast size!  Exactly what you want when you are sweating it out on the treadmill right??

Showtime sports bra by Victoria's Secret

I will never understand why they make "push up"bras for people larger than a C-cup, so I'm flabbergasted by basically what is a push up bra in a stretchy, sporty material. If you are that big already, do you really want to appear that you have even bigger boobs???  There is something to be said for being classy and leaving a little to the imagination.  The way you dress says something about you, every time you set foot outside your door.

So ladies, feel free to put your best foot forward, but make sure you don't lead with your boobs!

Bag Snob: CHLOÉ Marcie

It's my dream to have a gorgeous bag in every colour of the rainbow, for every occassion.  A big dream I know, but hey, if you don't set goals for yourself, how will you ever be successful?

The latest on my list is CHLOÉ Marcie Medium leather tote in a beautiful brick colour.  Imagine this bag with a pair of fitted dark jeans, crisp white shirt and a blazer.  A chic way to go casual, no?

CHLOÉ Marcie Medium leather tote via Net-a-Porter

$23,000 Can Get You...

A new car, a decent start on a down payment for a home (I live in Vancouver people), a college education, a pretty awesome trip around the world...I could go on...

Or it could get you this purse, owned by Christina Hendricks, designed by Farbod Barsum.  Is it worth it?  You be the judge:

The Isabella from Farbod Barsum, made from American Alligator and will set you back about $23,000.

Fashion = Fun

I know I just stated the obvious with that title but waking up earlier for my new job this week and trying to get myself looking put together has been a chore.  I went to my tried and true uniform as a fallback and while it saved me the energy from trying to be creative and put on something cute, it got pretty boring pretty quickly.  Yesterday I finally realized:  I'm bored of this uniform!  I need to get away from cardigans over tops with dress pants and do something different with my work wardrobe!  Bonus: my new department is more relaxed and I'm no longer managing anyone, hence I don't need to be as "professional" as before (though of course there are boundaries to this!).

After this realization, I knew I needed to perk up my wardrobe with a few fun but functional items. so last night I headed to the mall with a friend of mine, and made some purchases.  I didn't spend a lot but it was enough to reinvigorate me and help me get back to the root of it all, which is:  fashion is fun!  So don't take it too seriously and play with it a little!

Royal blue leopard print jeans...can I pull these off?  Yes!
From Material Girl and they are only $30!

More leopard print? You bet!
From Old Navy.

The September Issue: Glamour Magazine

In the quest to spend less of my money frivolously, I stopped buying magazines on a regular monthly basis a while ago.  I honestly didn't miss my monthly edition of Glamour, InStyle, Self, etc, etc because I was starting to feel like there wasn't anything unique or useful in them that I couldn't find somewhere else (i.e.:  blogs, websites, Pinterest).  This month, I did make an exception and picked up Glamour magazine's September 2012 edition, guest edited by Posh Spice herself, Victoria Beckham.  Truthfully I was only interested in reading about her, because I'm a big fan but I was pleasantly surprised by the entire issue.  There are great touches of insight about fashion from Victoria (as well as some "real life" stuff like her favourite quinoa pasta recipe), as well as tons of interesting features by talented bloggers like the Man Repeller, Emily Weiss from Into The Gloss and a funny commentary on changing your man's style by the delicious Jason Sudekis from SNL.   

I've already read the issue from cover to cover twice and am now obsessed with it as my fashion bible for fall.  Pick this one up now ladies (and men)...it's definitely worth your $5.99!

To Tote or not to Tote?

I am super excited about starting a new job soon, mostly because it is a great opportunity for me to "challenge" my brain and learn lots of new, cool things about banking (yes, banking can be cool people!).  I'll be working in beautiful downtown Vancouver for my first few months, which means commuting to and from work via "Skytrain" instead of driving as I have for the last few years.  Such presents a fashion dilemma:  how do I "tote" all my stuff with me during my commute?

Luckily I love shopping and immediately have zoned in on looking for a new bag.  I have a basic black tote as well as some larger purses that I'm pretty sure will hold what I need (wallet, phone, lunch/snacks, e-Reader) but it's always fun to be on the hunt for another option to fit my new "toting" needs.  Here are some options I found via the Nordstrom website:

Kate Spade New York 'West Chelsea - Alissa' shopper

I really like the colour of this Kate Spade bag as well as the classic shape.
It looks big enough to schlep all my stuff in stylish way.

Reed Krakoff Gym Leather tote

A pricier option but I do love Reed Krakoff.
Not sure I would take this one to the gym as the name suggests...it's too nice!

Tory Burch Michelle Tote

This marigold Tory Burch is probably my favourite tote I've found so far.
The colour is to die for, not to mention the sleek bucket shape.

Kate Spade 'New York - Daycation' coated canvas bon shopper

A more reasonably priced Kate Spade "bon shopper" but that's because it is coated canvas not leather.
I do like the idea of a fun print, though it would limit the number of outfits I could wear with it as opposed to a non-printed tote

The Woman Who Lived in Her Shoes

Looking good is always a work in progress.  Whether it's tweaking your exercise/diet, updating the wardrobe, getting a new hair colour, etc., there are so many ways that we work on trying to look our best.  Or at least I do, but maybe that's the perfectionist side of me!  Anyway, no matter skinny or chubby I feel, how tired or cranky I am, once I put on a great pair of shoes, my spirits are instantly lifted.  I am a true lover of shoes and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon!  I even have a Pinterest board called Shoe Porn dedicated to my lust for amazing shoes.

My shoe closet circa August 2011.  It's got a bit bigger since then!

One of the shoe designers whose shoes I lust after is Nicholas Kirkwood.  He is truly an artist - his designs are sculptural, colourful, embellished and beautiful.  I love the unique way his shoes have a platform in the front as well as the lace up details, arched straps and squared off heels.  I hope to one day get my hot little hands on a pair of his heels.  I am not an art aficionado, but I would consider his shoes to be the closest to art as shoes can get.

  

Product Alert: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Ever since I can remember, I have had dark circles under my eyes and have tried every concealer on the market to try to cover them up.  Now, I may have found a way to get rid of them forever: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector.

The name may be a mouthful, but it claims to "visibly lighten dark circles by 30 percent in 12 weeks".  I've tried other Even Better products (including my all time favourite for evening out skin tone, Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector) and I've had good results, so chances are this product would work well to brighten up my undereye area.   I haven't been to the beauty counter in a while, but it is for sure available on Sephora.  Will keep you posted on the results once I try it!

Bag Snob: Reed Krakoff Boxer

If you're looking for a structured, stylish bag that will compliment just about any outfit...well you're looking for something that may not actually exist.  What might be close, and is top of my list, is the Boxer satchel by Reed Krakoff.  The design is all clean lines and corners but the bag looks best in multicoloured leather.  I can only imagine how fabulous this might look on my arm with a great black dress, jeans & basic tee, or even a business suit...not that I ever wear one, but if I did, it would look great with this bag!

Boxer satchel by Reed Krakoff

Miss M Loves: Blue

Yesterday after getting to ride in the fire department's VW Bug with my fabulous friend SHR for the Canada Day parade, I decided to make a stop at Chapters on my way home.  I love book stores - I find them both calming and invigorating, if that's possible.  I could spend hours wandering through the aisles, thumbing through books that catch my eye and I'd never get bored.  So I was really looking forward to some time to expand my mind and maybe pick up a good book along the way.  This felt like a good way to spend my one hour of "me" time that I promised to give myself a few weeks back.

Well, instead of expanding my mind, I came upon a sale (my favourite 4 letter word!) and a pretty good one at that - 50% off a lot of their lifestyle, stationary and gift items.  I ended up picking up some adorable notebooks and a cute canvas nautical theme tote.  I didn't realize that everything I bought (including a book that I found about improving my diet) was in shade of blue until the cashier pointed it out.

                         

 

I guess upon further thought, I am a huge fan of blue without even realizing it.  I love blue jeans, my favourite boat neck navy & white tee for the spring, midnight blue MAC shadow and blue nail polish (She's Picture Perfect by Essie is a fav right now).   Blue is a great alternative to boring old black or grey, and happens to be a calming colour.  So no wonder I love it so much!  

What I'm not a fan of when it comes to blue?  Blue hair, blue cheese and...naming your baby Blue (hello Jay-Z and Beyonce!).  

When In Doubt, Wear Sequins

There is no better way to dress up any outfit than sequins.  I don't own a lot of sequined clothes, but I do have an amazing black and gold Union Jack design clutch that I bought at store in London's Heathrow airport on a stopover that I think can make any outfit "pop".

My prized black and gold sequin Union Jack clutch.

Currently I'm in love with this sequined mini-dress, "Pink Star" by Jenny Packham.  Add minimal accesories and a pair of great black heels and you have an outfit worthy of any cocktail party, hot date or girls night out!

 

Celebrating the Jubilee

I often wonder what it would be like to be a member of the royal family, even if it were for a day.  So imagine living the life that Queen Elizabeth has...this weekend celebrating 60 years (!) as the head of the British monarchy.  We probably see her as someone like our grandma but with loads more money and jewels (including tiaras fit for every occassion), but in her younger years she used to be (kind of) stylish.

Before the pill box hats, pastel coat dresses and monotone skirt suits, the Queen even appeared that she wasn't afraid to take a style risk or two.  The proof?   A picture of a much younger queen sporting a one shoulder rose gold embossed evening gown:

Queen Elizabeth in her younger years.  Pretty risque for the royal family!

People all over the world are celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 60 years of reign, but especially in Britian with "English" style celebrations such as horse races, high teas and a flotilla of 1000 yachts up the River Thames.

While that all sounds like fun, these Swarovski crystal bedazzled Union Jack wedge heels by Aruna Seth would make any Jubilee celebration even more festive.  Not only a keepsake but a rare one at that - only 10 pairs of these $4,700 shoes were made.

Jubilee Crystal Wedges by Aruna Seth.  Only 10 pairs were made for the occasion.

MAC Hey Sailor! Touch of Red

Y'all know how much I love stripes and the China Glaze polish called Hey Sailor!, and for a brief moment I thought MAC had combined these two loves of mine in their own polish called Hey Sailor! Touch of Red.  It must have been my tired eyes and/or overactive imagination, but red and blue stripes sadly do not come straight out of this bottle of polish.

Can you see why I may have thought this was actually striped nail polish?
No, I cant either...

I do think upon further research that the Hey Sailor! Collection is adorable and can see myself purchasing some of the products.  Maybe one day MAC will figure out a way for striped or patterned nail polish to come straight out of a bottle.  After all, they've figured out how to make magnets create designs in nail polish, so it can't be that far off.

Bag Snob: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Natasha"

I am defintely a girl who loves her designer bags, which I've blogged many times about.  Last weekend while in the states, I found what might be my next purchase:  the Marc by Marc Jacobs "Natasha".  It's in a colour called "Cement".  While as unappealing as that name sounds, the bag is pretty damn stylish and would go with just about every outfit because of it's neutral grey/stone/taupe colour.

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Natasha" in Cement.

My friend Jen has this same bag in black and she says its very functional as well as being totally adorable.  Hmm, I think this bag is going on my fantasy birthday wishlist...!

Just Add Water

Swimsuit season is nearly upon us and I'm re-evaluating my swimsuit collection.  I have lots of cute bikinis but I keep seeing "maillot" style one pieces everywhere, which are very tempting.

From Anthropologie.

From Modcloth

From Norma Kamali (via Net-a-Porter)

Playing on the retro styles that shows like Mad Men have brought back into popularity, maillot-style suits have full coverage top to bottom, but the ruching and sweetheart neckline still show off curves.   I'm going shopping in the States this weekend and seriously thinking about investing in one of these retro-cute suits! 

Styling Tips: For Girls with Curves

Figuring out how to find clothes that flatter your body type is a daunting task.  For years and years I had struggled with this myself, being short and curvy with small shoulders and big boobs (seriously, I'm not bragging, it's just a fact:  they are big!).  I used to spend hours upon hours going through the racks at clothing stores to find something that would fit me and flatter me, but to no avail.  I remember many times feeling very discouraged because I didn't seem to fit the mold of what was out there.  It wasn't a good feeling - I honestly felt my body was letting me down.  It was only when a friend said to me "woman, you need to make clothes work for you, not the other way around!" that a lightbulb came on.

From then on, the task was and still is to find pieces that flatter my small frame, big bust and curvy figure.  Thankfully, there are some great options out there now that retailers have figured out that not everyone is a 5'8, 120lb woman with no hips and that they aren't going to make any money ignoring this fact.  After years of research (aka shopping!), I've found some "style rules" to flatter my curves and help me feel put-together and confident about what I look like.  I also have a Pinterest board called For Girls with Curves that will hopefully inspire to dress your best with confidence but also some pictures of what to avoid.


Miss M's Tips for Styling a Curvy Frame:

1.  When you find something that fits well and is a wardrobe staple, buy multiples.  Similarly, record the style and fit so you can go back to the same store if you need to replace those items.  For example, I know the fit and length of pants at Ann Taylor and Banana Republic are great options for me, so I usually buy a couple pairs when I need to refresh my work wardrobe.  And while I might look elsewhere for other options, I don't waste my time hunting for the same fit somewhere else.  Once you know that something works for you, stick with it.

2.  Cinch that waist!  Belts have been huge over the last few years and here's why: cinch your waist with one and it instantly creates curves or if you have curves, flatters them.

Imagine this outfit without the belt: the ruching at the top of the skirt would create unnecessary bulk.
The belt brings everything in to flatter the waist.

3.  Balance your proportions - too tight and you will look hootchie, too loose and you will look bigger than you actually are.  For example, if you are going to wear a loose blouse, balance things out with skinny jeans.  Or, if you're going to wear wide leg jeans or pants, wear a top that is a bit more fitted.

Balance proportions - i.e.: skinny jeans with a looser top.
(Notice how this top is still cinched at the waist?)

4.  Find what works for you, that you feel comfortable and confident in.  Show off what you like about your body, and what you don't, find something that flatters that part not hides it.  For me, I wish my stomach was more like Britney Spears from 2006, but it's not.  So, I don't wear anything too tight in the midsection but instead try wear things that draw the eye upward (i.e.: to the girls...but in a classy way!).

A crossover dress is universally flattering but especially so when you aren't 100% in love with your midsection.

5.  Don't forget about your face!  It's great that you want your body to look great, but remember that your pretty eyes, fabulous smile or gorgeous hair are probably what people will see first when they look at you.  So, stop obsessing that you don't have Britney's 2006 abs, and smile for goodness sake!  People will notice when you are happy and that's what they will remember too.

6.  Last but not least:  Work it!  There are tons of gorgeous women in history that are curvaceous and proud of it.  Find a style role model who has curves like Kate Winslet, Christina Hendricks, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayak, Jennifer Lopez....even Jessica Simpson if you are desperate...and use their confidence in their bodies to boost your own.  Tons of women out there wish they had a bit more curve to fill out their jeans or bras, so be happy that you aren't lacking in that department!

 

Spring Fashion: Pointy Toe Heels

When I think of spring/summer I think of open toed shoes.  While that might work for evenings and weekends, if you are in an office all day, sometimes the open-toe shoes are not practical or even prohibited if you work somewhere with a strict dress code.

So what's a girl to do?  The alternative might be pointy-toe heels.  Pointy-toe heels seem to be popping up all over the style blogs and fashion mags but in bright, bold colours for spring.  They are still office friendly because of the closed toe, but are a great addition to a spring wardrobe to go with your prints/florals/pastels or even to pair with a black suit or sheath as a bold contrast.

My choice would be something in pink. turquoise or mint.  With shoes, like a purse, when you go bold, keep everything else neutral as to avoid sensory overload or start to look like an ad from the 80s.

"Blade" pointy toe heels from Casadei

Gianvito Rossi pumps from farfetch.com

Pierre Darre heels from yoox.com

Shoe Porn

These Christian Louboutins would look soooooo amazing in my closet right now.  They are an elegant choice from a designer who mainly sells sex (it's true!).  Love the peep toe look with the delicate straps.  They would look good with everything from a pair of tight dark, flared jeans, to an LBD (little black dress), to a formal gown or dress.

If these are in your price range (and if they are, I admit, I envy you!),
you can find them on Christian Louboutin website

For more of my fantasy shoe collection, check out my Pinterest board called "Shoe Porn".

The Hunt Is Over

My search for the perfect cross-body bag has spanned months upon months.  I've looked high and low for the right style, shape and colour.  I've purchased other bags in absence of finding a great cross-body.  I've lusted after many options only to shy away from a purchase because it just wasn't the "one".  

Finally, ladies and gentlemen, the search is over.  Free shipping and a sale at Neiman Marcus gave me the push I needed to end the search for the perfect cross-body bag to call my own:

MARC BY Marc Jacobs Crossbody - Preppy Leather Sia in Cherry

Isn't she cute?  I love the simple shape but that it's a bold colour.  Looking forward to getting my hot little hands on this bag in a few days ($10 priority shipping!  gotta love it...).

Fashion 101 - Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple of mine.  If I could wear them everyday, I would.  I'm actually considering putting my butt on the line and suggesting to my boss that we be able to wear jeans to work all week long instead of just Friday.  This is probably wishful thinking, but you don't know the answer until you ask!

Jeans have evolved from casual to chic.  Instead of just throwing a cardigan over your jeans or pairing them with a simple top, you can pair them with pearls, a faux fur jacket, fabulous boots, funky belts, etc. and still look stylish.  I really could not live without my (10 pairs of) jeans!

Here are some of my ideas to inspire and update the ultimate classic: jeans (via Polyvore).