Basics for my wardrobe

y closet was in dire need of basics. I tend to always purchase statement pieces- you know, clothing items with an interesting detail and ignore the boring basics. However, when I was decluttering my closet last week I realized I desperately needed basics. I noted in my head what pieces I needed and went out on a mission to fill that void. And here's what I got:

I bought 3 tank tops at Gap. They are sooooo soft. What I love about them are the length
and the skinny straps. The tank is also not too thick and very stretchy. 

I bought a medium in all three. The small size fit, but I wanted something a little more
loose. And I'm always scared that clothes might shrink in the wash.
Plus, I hate tight-fitting clothes now. I'm still a little self-conscious about my belly
after having my 2nd so the looser the better ;-)

Originally this tank was almost $20CAD, but I got it on sale for $9.99CAD.

Now for the styling part. I paired the tank with my Bobeau sweater, Paige Denims,
Dolce Vita boots and my J Crew-inspired bubble necklace that I got on eBay.

I took off the sweater to show you what it looks like on its own. 

So the next 2 tanks are the exact same as the previous light gray one, but I think these
are the new colours for spring. These were on promotion for 2 for $25. It also came in
a navy blue (which I was also eyeing, but didn't get), a pastel pink and a few other colours.
I ended up just getting the neutral colours as I think they will go with a lot of things in my closet.

I paired this tank with my Milly jacket/blazer, Forever 21 skinny jeans and my Gap booties.

This is the last tank. It's in a charcoal gray. I would have liked to get a black, but they
didn't have it at the store I went to.

Here's a close-up of the label. I highly suggest checking these tanks out at Gap.

As you can see it is $18.50CAD each, but there was a special promotion going on.
I never get anything regular price at Gap as they are always having promotions or sales.

I paired this tank with my Isabel Marant blazer/jacket, IT Jeans cut-off shorts, Gap booties
and my Amrita Singh necklace.

Here's how the tank looks without the jacket.

This knit sweater from Zara was so hard to photograph. It's my favourite purchase though.
It reminds me a lot like the Helmut Lang sweaters. 

Here's a closer look. The material is stretchy and thin. I can see myself wearing this with
a lot of pieces in my closet.

I got this for $39.90CAD. They also had a white version, but the white was very white.
I would have liked it if it was more of cream colour. So I ended up just getting the
black. The only downside is this material looks prone to snagging so I would be extra
careful when wearing this.

Here I am wearing it with my Marc by Marc Jacobs jean capri shorts, Nine West pumps
and my Gorjana star necklace.

I also paired it with my Club Monaco skirt, Roger Viver flats, a Burberry-inspired cross-body
bag and my Psalm 91:1 necklace.

Next, I picked up a basic V-neck tee from Zara. 

I got it in a medium. It's a little big on me, but they didn't have a small in the store.
I might try to shrink it in the wash.

It was $11.90CAD.
I love how soft this tee is. It is also a little distressed so it looks really flattering on.

I wore this with my Club Monaco boyfriend blazer, Marc by Marc Jacobs capri shorts,
Nine West pumps and my HRH Collection necklace.

Here's what it looks without the blazer. I would have worn a belt, but I don't have anything
in my closet that will go with this look. Maybe that's next on my shopping list…

I am pleased with everything I bought. I also filmed a video of me wearing all the pieces. I posted it on YouTube, but I'm unsure whether to make it live…

HRH Collection

ver since I saw Alex's Original Cuff necklace on her YouTube videos I've been wanting to add it to my jewelry collection. I don't know why it took me so long, but when I saw that she came out with a silver version (the Original Acid Cuff) I knew I had to take the plunge and order 1 of each. I placed my order just before Christmas and it arrived today. It took a while for the order to ship out, but I guess it was because it was the Christmas holidays. For those of you who are thinking of placing an order, but aren't sure here are my thoughts on them.

Both necklaces- the Original Cuff (gold version) and the Original Acid Cuff (silver version)
came packaged in a bubble envelope. 

The card that it came with was completely wrecked. I guess the packaging of the necklaces
could have a been a little better? It also came with a heart sticker and a business card
(not shown). Although both necklaces are the same style the gold necklace came
in a smaller mesh pouch. I was puzzled by that, but then I realized that the suede
cording for the silver necklace was longer than the black tie of the gold necklace.

The necklaces have a good weight to them without being too heavy. I really love the
Original  Acid Cuff. The turquoise suede cord is really long and goes so well with the
silver colour of the necklace.

I'm not sure if the Original Cuff is supposed to have a shorter tie, but it was a lot
shorter than the turquoise tie in the Original Acid Cuff. Maybe mine was just different?
If any of you guys have the gold and silver one can you let me know if the ties are different lengths?
The tie on the Original Cuff (black) is not as nice as the Original Acid Cuff and because of the shorter
strap it limits you on how low you want to tie the necklace.
Having said that, I still love both of these necklaces. Yes they were kind of pricey at $50USD
each, but it really goes well with a lot of pieces in my closet. I have a lot of simple
tops in my closet so these necklaces really make the outfits pop.

Here are a few photos I snapped of myself wearing both necklaces.

This is the Original Acid Cuff (silver version).
Tank: Gap, Blazer/Jacket: Isabel Marant, Pants: J Crew Pixie Pants

The Original Cuff (gold version).
Tank: Material Girl, Blazer: Club Monaco, Jeans: Forever 21

Close-up of the Original Cuff.

Another outfit with the Original Cuff.
Tank: Material Girl, Blazer: Diane von Furstenberg, Jeans: Forever 21

What I've been up to…

een a busy little bee this month because I've been doing so many preparations for Christmas- making my own Advent Calendar for my son; shooting our family Christmas portrait; making our annual calendar and designing our family Christmas cards. I've also been doing a lot of shopping and going to parties.
If you don't follow me on Instagram yet please do- @Cujo931. I usually post what I'm up to there daily. I'm addicted to it!

Shopping at Old Navy. Was debating whether to get this leopard-print cardigan, but
passed on it. 

My OOTD last week.
Top is from Wilfred by Aritzia, jeans are from Paige Denim, bubble necklace is a
J Crew-inspired necklace from eBay.

I had a gift certificate from Club Monaco that I was saving until I lost my pregnancy
weight. I was eyeing this Reva coat…

I took the plunge and got it. I initially bought it on sale for 30% off the original
$299 sale price, down from $398. But the day after I got it I received an email
from the Club Monaco newsletter that they were having a 40% sale off the sale
price. I ended up returning it and repurchasing it for 40% off. Yes!
(FYI: Club Monaco has a policy of not doing price adjustments on sale items, but
the salesgirl I dealt with allowed me to do a return and repurchase)

The faux-fur collar is removable.

The coat is a bit wrinkled, but I adore it.

I'm loving my makeup here.

I happened to go in Gap to check out their sales and I came across this sequined
clutch. I missed out on the Zara sequined clutch that all the fashion bloggers have
been sporting so when I saw this I couldn't pass on it. The Zara clutch is a gold colour
and this is obviously not gold, but I still like it. I think it'll go with a lot of items in my
closet. It's hard to capture the true colour of the clutch. Here, the sequins are pointing
up and it gives it a completely different look than the shot below.

Here the sequins are pointing down. The clutch looks more silver here.
I love how this clutch has a strap. I don't think the Zara one did…
I got this for 20% off 39.99?

Here I am holding it. It kind of looks purple in certain lighting.

Surprisingly it fits a ton of stuff. I can fit my huge Kate Spade wallet plus many
more.

This will be great to carry around with me when I don't want to carry a huge purse.

Last Thursday I stopped by Indigo (one of my favourite stores) to kill some time
with the family. It is a bookstore, but they have a fantastic home/gift section.
I came across this Botanicals Labels and Stickers book by Rifle Paper Co. I have
one of their other labels and stickers book and I always use it when I gift wrap because
it really makes the package that much nicer. I ended up purchasing this and I can't
wait to gift wrap!

This is the Cath Kidston 2013 agenda.
Although I loved it I already have a Kate Spade agenda and I buy the refills every year.

The lovely frames and display cases at Indigo.

They also had a shelf with ombré book covers of classic titles. Such a pretty way
to display books, no?

Lots of stocking stuffers out too. They had colourful enamel bangles and other
knick knacks. 

Voluspa candles.
The packaging on Voluspa candles are exquisite. I had to stop
myself from getting these because I had already made several candle purchases
from Bath & Body Works.

One thing to note is that I rarely buy home goods from Indigo for full retail price.
They always have sales and if you wait you can get things for 30-50% off.

Indigo is holding a contest now on Instagram where if you hastag #MagicalHoliday
on one of your instagram pics with something relating to the theme "Christmas
Morning" you have a chance of winning a $100 gift card. This was my entry.
Fingers crossed!

Lastly, I'm starting to restock my Etsy store. It's just so time consuming to take photos
of all the pieces, but that is my New Year's resolution this year.