Crest.

I have wanted a pair of everyday loafers for a while and finally purchased a pair! I will let you know if a few weeks whether they are good quality and I would recommend them.\

Professional.

I was standing in line at a printing shop today and was strike by the beautiful brief case the woman standing beside me was carrying. It was made of leather, but had an almost hard casing shell. It had a zippered top and a handle that reminded me of my grandparents suitcases. I was quite impressed with the briefcase and how it completed her overall look. I started to think that maybe I should look into buying a briefcase. I usually think that briefcases are too masculine, but was pleasantly surprised with the quality and feminine look to her briefcase.

I started to search the internet for such a briefcase! Unfortunately, I had no luck finding the same briefcase that the woman had, but I came across the brand Lotuff. Lotuff is an American, family owned leather company that makes beautiful leather products. Here is their blurb:

"Lotuff Leather is a collaboration of prideful American craftsmen making fine quality leather goods the way they should be made. The love and passion that go into our handmade bags are tangible: you can see, smell, and touch the difference. Our vision is to create items of lasting value and the work is a reflection of our personal character. We are proud to put our name and unique product number on every good."

I find their products darling, and am posting the two briefcases that I would love to take to work.

Bridle English Briefcase.

Bridle Lock Briefcase.

Stuart Weitzman

I have posted before on my love of Stuart Weitzman. I have a pair of knee-high leather boots and love them. I have had them for over two-years and, luckily, they show little wear! I recently became aware of a contest that Stuart Weitzman was having for its 5050 boots. If you like them on facebook, you can follow the links and enter to win a pair of 5050 boots! I hope you enter and good luck.

After signing up for the contest I have been receiving emails from Stuart Weitzman about new products and have had a look at their website. I really love this Pasaralto purse and thought I would share it with you.

Oynx.

I've been having a very busy week and have been taking comfort in browsing online. I am looking forward to going back to England in six weeks and I am looking at the shops online. Here are some of things that I am really into right now.: spring skirts, watches, and comfortable sandals.

J Crew Daisy Lace Mini.

Fossil Ladies’ Goldtone Link Watch.

Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandal in Onyx.

East Coast.

Last week I went to Naturalizer with a friend to check out their "Boot Sale". I hadn''t been in Naturalizer before because I thought the shop was for older women. I was pleasantly surprised by the young and trendy pumps, flats and boots.

Although I did not buy anything, my friend got a killer deal on a great pair of leather boots. I saw these great  summer shoes and took a quick snap while in the store. LOBSTERS! What a cute and fun way to get into summer, lobster patterned summer shoes.

Obssessed.

I received an email from J Crew advertising their new line of "New York Designed, Made in Italy" footwear. As I scrolled through the copious amounts of shoes, I came across these beautiful pumps. Sadly, they are already sold out! If you are bent on buying them, the website offers a phone number you can call where they will try to track a pair down. A lot of work for a pair of pumps, but if you want them, you want them!

 J Crew Etta Glitter Heel Pump in Hummingbird Floral.

Shoe of the Week.

I was at the mall over the weekend to see Oz the Great and Powerful (review forthcoming) and wandered into a store that I don't usually go in and found two great pairs of smoking slippers. I had thought Aerosoles was a "middle age" store, without trendy shoes and boy, was I wrong.

The window display caught my eye and once inside I found many pairs of well made, trendy shoes. I am really impressed with the quality of Aerosoles shoes, they have good soles and arch support. My only hesitation purchasing the smoking slippers was the price, $110. I decided to think about it and when I was at home later I looked them up online. The website offers the slippers for almost half price, $69. So before buying Aerosoles in store, I'd recommend taking a look at the price online.

Betunia in Tan Leopard Calf Hair.

Betunia in Black Embroidered Suede.

Smith.

I have been receiving email updates from Dooney and Burke about new colours for spring and finally got around to looking at their new collection. They have a new style handbag called "The Smith Bag" that I really like. It's quite large, tasseled and has feet on the bottom to maintain structure.

I hope that I'll see this purse in stores soon, because it looks like a worthwhile investment. I find that Dooney and Burke colours look different in person instead of on the website and I'm hesitant to invest in an expensive purse without knowing if I will like it.

 

Dooney and Burke The Smith Bag in plum.

Shoe of the Week: Stuart Weitzman

When making the transition from law student to lawyer, footwear is important. When you're entering an office setting it's best to keep in mind that footwear should be more conservative. Sure your open toe pumps and the vibrant colours of this season will likely be out of place. A good rule about what is appropriate is to look to what the most senior woman in the office is wearing. If she is rocking three inch spike pumps in neon yellow (as have been popular for the past couple of summers) then you can likely wear them too. If on the other hand, she is wearing black, closed toe, two inch kitten heels you will want to mirror this level of conservative. Or, if you're like me you'd like a safe middle ground.

To this end, I'm highlighting Stuart Weitzman's "Platswoon" pumps in Adobe Aniline. The pumps are light pink, which will add colour to your outfit without being too flashy. The heel is 3 3/4" with a 3/4" platform; this will give you some height while still being comfortable to walk in. Trust me, it's important that you're able to walk around an office all day.

So without further ado...

Frugal.

One of the upsides of the rise of internet shopping is that you can compare products. Especially when you have expensive taste but a limited budget. Forever 21 reproduces similar bags, shoes and jewelry of more expensive brands.

If you're looking for expensive design on a limited budget try these looks.

 Studded Shoulder Bag similar to Valentino's spring collection.

Studded Messenger Bag similar to Steve Madden.

Chain Toggle Bracelet similar to the link bracelets sold at J Crew.

         -- JJ

New York Fashion Week: Tommy Hilfiger for Fall

I don't know about you, but it seems like there is always a fashion week going on somewhere in the world. Paris Fashion Week was just a few weeks ago, and now we have New York Fashion Week! I am pleased that many of my favourite brands are continuing their move into bolder looks and prints.

I am a recent convert to Tommy Hilfiger. Before going into a flagship store in the United States, I limited my preppy look to Vineyard Vines or Brooks Brothers. I am pleased with the quality and wear-ability of the Tommy clothing that I have bought recently, and will be looking forward to picking up more the next time I am in the United States.

In the mean time.... here is a peak at their 2013 Fall Collection!

          -- JJ

Shoe of the Week!

Prada Crystal Metal Buckle Pump. 

This salon shoe is both practical and stylish. The crystal gold buckle looks great with the 1 inch heel and would be easy to walk long distances in. I also like that the sole and inside is made of leather; they shoes will last longer.

If you're interested, you can buy these shoes here. However, these darlings will set you back a pretty penny.

My Life On Parade.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of shopping in a Kate Spade boutique. The boutique was really lovely and carried handbags, accessories and clothing. I was pleased to see the black and white striped dress that Taylor Swift was photographed wearing last year. In hindsight, I wish I had tried it on. After all, the dress was on sale for half the price.

After delighting in the latest handbags and duds, I wanted to post about what I liked the most!

Kate Spade Checkered Franny Coat.

Kate Spade Colourblocked Blanche Dress.

Kate Spade Parker Place Margie.

Kate Spade Sawyer.

Weekend Casual.

Sadly, the weather has returned to normal January temperatures and I am cozying up in over-sized sweaters and casual pants. I decided to throw together a casual look that I could wear on a cold January weekend.

Zara Twist Knit Sweater.
Zara Skinny Jacquard Pants.
Zara High Heel Studded Ankle Boots.

Blowout.

Shopping on boxing day is one of my favourite activities. This year, I was unable to go because I was not in Canada. While England also has big boxing day sales, I am staying in a charming town with few shops. I have been checking out some boxing day deals online and below are the best deals from Mango.

1. Mango Chiffon Tail-hem Maxi Dress.
2. Mango Double Layers Straight Cut Dress.
3. Mango Crystals Chain Bracelet.
4. Mango Chiffon Ruffle Top.
5. Mango Two Tone Sequin Tee-Shirt.
6. Mango Cropped Super Slim Fit Trousers.
7. Mango Contrasted Bow Ballerinas.
8. Mango Stones Wide Ring.

Monogrammed.

I have gone over the moon for new boots this week. In addition to getting some sweet Madden Girl boots, I just bought a new pair of Michael Kor Monogrammed Rain Boots. When I left Canada two weeks ago for the holidays, the weather was dreadful; two inches of slush and wet snow. I needed quality boots to get me through the coming winter weather so I am pleased that I have acquired these boots to keep my feet warm and clothes dry!

What do you think of these?

Flash Bang.

Over the past few weeks I've realized that I needed a new pair of winter boots. Although trusty, my boots are three winters old and starting to feel their age. I had been putting off buying a new pair until I was in the United States in January, but I just bought a new pair. These boots are quite similar to my old ones, but black instead of brown, and studs instead of straps. I am pleased with the style and price and hopefully these babies will last me another three years.

Gift List: Top Gifts for a Law Student

 

1. Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch.

2. Fossil Stella Plated Stainless Steel Watch in rose.

3. J Crew Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves in deep plum.

4. Apple Ipad. Ipads are perfect for seeing your friends and family over Facetime.

5. House of Harlow 1960 5 Station Necklace.

6. Taylor Swift's Red Cd.

7. Dooney & Burke Button Slouch in bark.

8. Brooks Brothers Calfskin Platform Pump.

9. Starbucks Gift Card.

Gift List: Madewell

For day two of my holiday shopping guide, I suggest purchasing a gift from one of my favourite online shops, Madewell. Madewell is having a 25% off sale and free shipping, so you may want to buy early. These are small gifts that would be perfect for a friend or family member!

Madewell 1717 Olive Striped Beanie.

Madewell Glitter Skinny Belt in hematite.

Madewell Sparkle Spike Necklace.

Madewell Soft-Stitch Sweater in hthr smokestack.

 Madewell Camden Bag in English saddle.

Gift List: Tory Burch Edition

Since it's the holiday season, I am seeing tons of "Holiday Gift Lists". There are tons of these lists; gifts for women, men, kids, and relatives. I have decided to start my own list. Gifts for law students. Today's gift is for the trendy and fashion conscious law student.

Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote in magenta. 

Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody in purple clay.

Tory Burch 797 Large Satchel in plum.

Tory Burch Amanda Clutch in wildberry.