Spirits and Style

Mad Men Style

spiritsandstyle — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:12:18 +0000

AMC’s Mad Men ranks among my top 5 TV shows. Besides the engaging storyline and characters, I absolutely love the costume design! And while I’ve never been accused of being a girly-girl, it is refreshing to see stylish women wearing full skirts and dresses. This year’s designers have no doubt been inspired by the show, just take a look at the following Fall 2010 Louis Vuitton Ads
Tweed, lace, and velvet in earth tones and beautiful prints. Will you be any of these vintage looks to your fall wardrobe?

The perfect all season accessory: the scarf

spiritsandstyle — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:39:31 +0000

When my BFF Alison moved to Europe 5 years ago, one of the first birthday gifts she sent across the pond was a box of Wittamer chocolates and a silk scarf. The chocolates were gone by the end of the week and although the scarf was beautiful, I’ll admit it hung in my closet for well over a year before I wore it. Back then, scarves were more for winter warmth than fashion. But all of that has changed in the past few years. Now scarves are all the rage and can be used for both casual and dressy outfits. I now own well over 40 scarves (just bought two more today) and love how they can make a simple t shirt look chic. While searching for scarf tying ideas, I stumbled on this image from at 1960s Sears publication:

I tend to wear mine like #11 or #15 but I also like this:

The best thing about scarves for me is the warmth they provide. They can be an effective layering piece when the AC is blasting or when dining out on a patio in the evening.
Do you wear scarves? Why or why not?

Right fit pants

spiritsandstyle — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:02:42 +0000

I’ve blogged before about Lane Bryant being my fav US plus size store. Three years ago they came out with the most fabulous line of pants and jeans. It’s called right fit and it takes into consideration the waist to hip ratio. I’m a blue curvy fit as my hips are larger than average when compared to my waist. There is a red and yellow fit, one which fits a more square shape (waist and hips very similar) and also a smaller waist style for those whose pants always gape at the back waistband.
The lafayette blue right fit pants are a staple in my work wardrobe and up until last week I only owned them in black.

I am very lucky to have a close friend with an American credit card and PO box who helped me score 3 more pairs and colours of these great pants. I now have cedar brown, classic navy and heather gray. And the best part is that they were on sale for $24.99 each (normally they retail for $49.50-$54.50)
The only downside to these pants is that they are not the best choice in very warm weather. The polyester blend does not breathe and last summer during our trip to NYC, I quickly switched to my cotton capris.
This brings me to my next wardrobe quest, plus size khakis in a relaxed fit without an elastic waistband. I have high hopes for the styles that will be available from Old Navy Canada online this fall.

Getting ready for back to school

spiritsandstyle — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:57:01 +0000

So much has happened since I last posted on this blog. Moving into an uptown condo has been stressful but I absolutely love it here, so it was worth the hassle. Less than 2 weeks left of summer vacation and I do feel like I’m ready to go back. I’m in a new position this fall: head of the math dept. for the first semester as the current head is on deferred leave. I’m excited to put to work my leadership skills and to have a more formal position within the school administration. I’m also hoping to be able to post here on a more regular basis; the next few days will be busy as I’ve had some posts swimming around in my head for a while
As a side note this summer’s go to white wine has been the Hardy’s Stamp of Australia Riesling Gewürztraminer. It has a light crisp taste and has been great for the warm afternoons and evenings we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy this summer!

Purple and dotty

spiritsandstyle — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:49:03 +0000

Last weekend I picked up two dotted scarves at old navy, one in blues, the other in reds/pinks. I really could buy almost every scarf I’ve seen at old navy this season, they are all great colours, longer lengths and nice fabric that won’t irritate the skin.
At penningtons I picked up two lightweight tops that ended up matching the scarves perfectly. I wore this to the JCS party and then again today for parent teacher interviews. Lots of great comments on how it’s the right colour for my skin and that my eyes are bright and pretty with it. It’ll be a great look to take into summer too

Spring arrivals at Lane Bryant

spiritsandstyle — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:15:03 +0000

Lane Bryant is one of my fav plus size stores in the US. It’s my first stop and sometimes only stop at the Bangor or Maine mall. I spend hours on their website deciding what I’d like to try and often bring a print out to the store. I always try to get there shortly after it opens and I make it a point to let the clerks know I’m from away and mean business with my fashion. It usually takes 2 hours and I often spend $250 or more. The funny thing is that I’ve been mistaken for a clerk nearly every time and have been offered a job more than once.
Spring outfits are showing up on the website and although I won’t get to shop there for at least a month or so, here are two outfits that I really like:

I like this outfit both for the colours and the cut of the clothes. Bright pink and grey are a great combo and can pair with many other items. The gentle gathers on the blouse and full hip and arm cut are very appealing. The pants are full cut and will work all seasons.

This cardigan is exactly the style I love, flyaways are so comfy yet look polished. Crops of this length are useful now, wearing them will tall boots and then into summer with sandals.

Springtime makes me want to buy a new purse

spiritsandstyle — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:49:13 +0000

The sunny weather has me wanting to abandon my black purse and jacket for something colourful and fun.
I’ll be taking a group of students to Niagara Falls in April and will be close to a Coach Outlet. Looking on the website 2 purses caught my eye:

kristin leather large hobo
$398.00
The slouchy shape showcases the saturated color and luxurious drape of
the premium Juno leather. Juno leather, fine-grain gently tumbled cowhide, Inside zip, cellphone, multifunction pockets
Outside front pocket
Handle with 12” drop
Detachable long strap with 20” drop

hailey crossbody
$298.00
Quintessential New York—elegant yet go-anywhere, nostalgic yet modern.
Designed to be carried as a hobo, shoulder bag, or across the body.
Shiny cowhide leather
Inside zip, cellphone, multifunction pockets Ring to clip an accessory or keyfob
31” strap for shoulder or crossbody wear 11” handle with 4” drop

Which one do you like best?

iPhone and “Tiffany” key

spiritsandstyle — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:22:14 +0000

I know it’s been a while but I now have an iPhone, so I figure I’ll be able to find time to blog with the built in camera.

A quick style update: I’ve been drooling over the ads for the Tiffany Keys since they came out last year. I finally found a decent knock off at colwells on Saturday. It’s the right length and style and I’ve gotten tons of compliments on it today. What do you think?

I know I already bought black boots for fall…

spiritsandstyle — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:27:21 +0000

but I really, really like these:

They are wide width, with a wide boot shaft to fit my dancer calves and the heel is just the right height. Look at the great zipper that goes right to the footbed and the little stretch panel. $133 US is more than I usually spend… What do you all think?

Shopping state side

spiritsandstyle — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:29:10 +0000

Went on an impromptu drive to Calais, Me on Sat with Mom and B. They had both just gotten their passports in the mail and wanted to get some groceries, so we made a day out of it. Shopping wise Calais is very hit or miss, so I was pleased with what I found.

First stop was Mardens. It’s a surplus and salvage shop selling everything you could think of. Stock changes quickly so their slogan sure does apply, “I should have bought it, when I saw it, at Mardens” ( I know many of you just sang that jungle in your head Didn’t find anything in the clothing section, they did get a big shipment of leather jackets, but the only thing in my size was a weird cape.

The shoe department was much better and I tried on over 20 pairs. I got 2 pairs of ballet flats: red sparkles and plaid purple, burgundy and brown patents. I also made a major score on a pair of softwalk high heel loafers. They are very comfy and I hope I’ll be able to wear them to work. I’ll be trying them out his week so I’ll let you know if they are indeed and all day shoe for me.

Walmart was next and although they have not received all of their fall stock, I found 3 tops and 2 boyfriend cardigans. I had hoped to pick up one of these cardigans soon and think most of my gal friends will like this style. Its very retro, promotes comfort like a hoodie yet it is more stylish and most of all keeps you warm. These cardigans are long, have pockets and look good buttoned up or open like a jacket. I got one in chocolate brown and a mauve-pink shade. They match the bell sleeve tops I bought perfectly.