Tag Archives: shopping

3 Stores to Get Jeans Under $100, Plus Denim Purchasing Tips!

12/05/2012

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I’m always on the hunt for great jeans. With denim being such staple in my wardrobe and I’m sure your’s too, I think they should be trendy, comfortable and affordable. When I go shopping here in Vancouver, I have a few staple stores that I head to when looking for jeans.

1. Top Shop

Screen Shot 2012-12-05 at 2.14.17 PMTop Shop’s denim ranges from $60-$90, which is a very fair price for denim. At The Bay, in downtown Vancouver, the Top Shop store is located in the basement, and their denim is nicely organized in one section of the store. They have a ton of different colours, their skinny jeans are actually skinny no matter what the waist size, (being curvy, I find a lot of denim makers think the larger the hip the fatter the legs, which makes for more of a straight leg than a skinny leg!) and they have great stretch with lots of different rise options. If you’re looking for high-rise jeans, this is the place to go!

2. H&M

Screen Shot 2012-12-05 at 2.22.59 PMH&M is great when you are on a budget. Their denim ranges from $20-$60. At that price, you can’t go wrong! They have lots of trendy styles, and a variety of different fits. The main disadvantage when denim shopping at H&M is customer service. Trying denim is like trying on bras, you don’t want to be constantly running in and out of the change room hunting for your size, that is the job of the sales person! However, the reason H&M keep their costs that low, is partially because you are paying for something to be mass-produced with minimal sales costs. So, just be prepared to hunt down styles on your own when at H&M. I’d also suggest bringing all the sizes you think you might need into the changing room with you, just so you don’t have to keep running all over the store while trying on.

3. Urban Outfitters

Screen Shot 2012-12-05 at 2.42.02 PMUrban Outfitters in the place to go for high fashion, trendy jeans. They do not carry a ton of basics. But that’s not really their specialty! Their in-store brand, BDG ranges from $40-$70. They also carry other brands like Cheep Monday, Levi’s and Silence & Noise. What I like about Urban Outfitters is that I know I can find styles that I see in magazines. They’re really on top of trends. The only issue for I’ve noticed with their BDG denim is the fact that the fit isn’t consistent. Some washes have less stretch but are still labelled to have the same fit. Ultimately, Urban Outfitters is a great first stop since they have such a huge selection with a wide range of fits and styles!

Here are a few final tips when denim shopping:

  • When trying on denim, always ask the sales associates if they stretch out. Most denim these days has spandex in it, which is great, but often can lead to stretching up to 1-2 full sizes! If it has a large percentage of stretch, (look at the label, anything above 3% is pretty high) then try to go down a size.
  • Always fit your denim to the widest part of your body. If that’s your booty, then make sure you invest in a good, cute belt, as I’m sure you’ve experienced a bit of gaping at the waist. Also, try different rises, as this may help eleviate the gaping problem!
  • If you have any insecurities about your stomach, or you just don’t like pulling up your pants all day long, you should consider buying a higher rise. You don’t HAVE to tuck your shirt in with this style to get the benefits of your denim holding everything in for you! Although, it does look pretty cute with a tucked in top!
  • As soon as you purchase, walk your new pair over to your nearest tailor. All shopping malls have a tailor! The chances of your denim being the perfect length are very rare. You want your jeans to graze the floor when barefoot.
  • Consider how skinny the calves are, and how you want to wear this pair. Do you want to tuck them into a cute pair of boots? Then make sure they stay skinny all they way to the ankle. No one likes uncomfortable bunching inside their boots!
  • Right now, skinny jeans, vintage flares and straight leg boyfriend jeans are in style. If you are still wearing your mid-rinse boot cut jeans, please donate them! EVERYONE can wear skinny jeans, you just have to find the pair that’s right for you, and style it with the perfect top! See my previous post here for more details and here, for styling tips.

Where do you like to shop for jeans? Have you ever dared to purchase a pair online? If you want more shopping tips and ideas please take the time to follow me on Twitter! 

Where Do I Gain Inspiration?

07/31/2012

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Inspiration can come from many different places. I have, what some might call an “overactive brain.” It’s always turning, and because it’s always turning, I constantly need to fill it with new ideas! So where, you say, do I get my various ideas for blog posts and fashion style ideas? I’ll let you into the mind of an overly stimulated creative fashion junkie right here!

1. Pinterest

There are so many ideas you can glean from Pinterest. If you don’t have a full on addiction yet, you should check it out. You can search for everything from wedding decor to how to how to remove glitter nail polish; Pinterest is a bloggers dream! If you are on it, make sure you find and follow me!

2. Other Blogs

I may be one of the few, but I used Google Reader to subscribe to all my favorite blogs. It puts all of them in one place, so you can read with ease.

So as you can see above are those are a few of the titles of the blogs I subscribe to. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

  • A Beautiful Mess- It’s an everything blog, with a vintage flare . They have DIY to outfit ideas to recipe ideas. I swear, these girls post non stop! I don’t know where they find all the time!
  • I Spy DIY- This blog has the BEST DIY projects! I’ve adapted many of her jewellery ideas to make my own unique pieces!
  • Making it Lovely- This is an all around pretty, feminine, girly blog, with some home decor and style inspiration.
  • The Glamourai- It is a fashion blog with daily outfit inspirations from a top blogger from New York.
  • The Beauty Department- Created by reality star Lauren Conrad, this blog has tons of amazing beauty tips, defiantly worth the read.

3. People Watching

I live in Vancouver, British Columbia which was just named the 3 worst dressed city in North America. Needless to say, I find a lot of ideas of things NOT to wear! However, despite us being a very casual, outdoorsy, yoga-pant-wearing-city, there are quite a few stylish areas in the city. I love going to different coffee shops on Commercial Drive or shopping along Main Street!

4. Shopping

I know it seems obvious, but actually going out and getting into stores can inspire your creativity. In popular stores you should check out their window displays, and the product merchandised right when you walk in. That is where they feature top-selling trends. Wondering what colours are hot for this fall? Head into your nearest H&M in about 2 weeks, and I’m sure you’ll find out!

5. Social Media

I love meeting new people on Twitter, and seeing what everyone is talking or blogging about! I also have a recent new addiction to Instagram. Feel free to follow me on both, to find out what I’m up to from time to time! My Instagram is username black_is_black.

6. Reading and Spiritual Rejuvenation

Sometimes just holding a book or writing on paper can be so inspiring. I like the tactile-ness of actually flipping a real page and not scrolling on a screen. I also love the smell of new books! A good book can encourage good writing, and a good magazine can help me create some awesome new ideas.

I also really value spirituality. Just taking a time out, and meditating or doing yoga can be incredibly beneficial to anyone with an overactive mind like mine! If you brain can take a break for a moment, you’d be surprised how clear things become afterwords.

7. My Friends and Readers

You guys inspire me every day! I love your comments and your questions! Without you I would never be motivated to post, so it’s you who is reading this right now that I thank. Feel free to keep sending me your questions, and giving feedback! I love to share all my knowledge with you!

Thoughts to ponder…How do you decide?

06/13/2012

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Question: Do you shop with your Right Brain or your Left Brain?

I can say for me, I am certainly a mix of both. I think if you are being creative and inspired while finding new items, your right brain is on fire. If you are calculating and logical while purchasing, your left brain is working overtime. I have both these things. When my right brain takes over, this is when I get into trouble! (Major shopping spree!) But sometimes it’s not as fun to shop with just your left brain! Money shmoney!

However, its always good to have a list, even it its just a note you add to your phone about purchases you hope to make at some point, this way you don’t waste money on useless items….crap left brain is taking over!

BB Cream…Uncovered

04/19/2012

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It has come to my attention recently that all the rage is “BB” Cream. I wondered, what does the “BB” stand for? Some crazy cosmetic term? Some scientific discovery? Or maybe it has to do with a new vitamin that was discovered to help uncover new radiant skin? Nope BB stands for either Blemish Balm or Be Beautiful. Yes. Really! That interesting discovery made me dig a bit further, because it seemed like some crazy marketing ploy to get us all to buy some magic cream. I can just hear the PR offices saying, “Lets call it BB Cream- it sounds more scientific and important when you have initials!”

I decided to speak with a make -up artist about the hype behind BB Cream. She shared that it is to create radiance for aging skin, which is not really what someone under the age of 40 needs. So all you girls that read my blog- its unnecessary! If you want a product that is similar, I’d suggest a tinted moisturizer. It gives you a little color to even your skin tone, and goes on smooth.

I also uncovered that BB Cream is a mix of primer, moisturizer, liquid foundation and sunscreen. Hmmm…how many of you out there already own all of those items? Why not save yourself the $35-$60 that BB Cream can cost and create your own! I haven’t tried to make my own just yet- but here is the ratio I am planning on doing:

10% Sunscreen (make sure its for the face and that is has an SPF of 30 or higher. Neutrogena has a great product.)

10% Liquid Foundation

30% Moisturizer

50% Primer

The best part about creating your own, is you already know which products work for your skin, and you’re not introducing something new for your skin to react to. No need to worry about break outs or any allergic reactions!

Ultimately, you could make your life easier and buy one product that will “do the trick” of 4 items, you could invest in a good tinted moisturizer or you can create your own. My personal vote is one of the last two. What is your opinion?  Have you tried BB cream? Is it something you’d never go without?

*Click the top image for another great opinion on BB Cream. 

A Look At…Free People

04/18/2012

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I just came across the newest Free People spread and I loved it so much I thought I’d share it with you. I’ve always been a little bohemian at heart so these clothes are right up my alley! What do you think about these photos? Any pieces you’re dying to get?

Shopping Find: Sephora’s Pore Cleansing Pad

03/09/2012

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This bad boy is a great new product I just purchased from Sephora. It works great to clean and gently exfoliate the skin. Men and women will both love this little bad boy. (Yes- to all my male readers they do sell Men’s products at Sephora too!)

Here’s what how it works:

First is dampen your skin, and then place whatever soap or cleanser you wash with on top of the Pore Cleansing Pad and gently rub into your skin in a circular motion. It works great to unclog pores and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean! Its only $7 at your local Sephora store- and trust me, it’s going to rock your world!

Shopping Find: My New Favorite Jeans

02/06/2012

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After years and years of hunting, I’ve finally found them; MY NEW FAVORITE JEANS. Surprisingly inexpensive (coming in at $49.95) and so-far resilient, these babies are the most comfortable jeans I’ve (dare I say) ever worn!

These dream jeans are from a little store called H & M. They are a high-rise skinny jean which is amazing for those who struggle with the “back gape.” But do you want to know the best part about these jeans? They STAY skinny all the way to the ankle, no matter what size you buy; which means you can fit them into your boots! When heading into your nearest H & M look for the jeans called “High Sqin.” They come in various washes.

Coming in at a close second is another H & M pair called “Regular Waist Slim.” They have all the perks of the Sqin, but have a slightly lower rise.

An affordable way to wear designer clothes

01/24/2009

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Do you ever wish you had just a little more cash so you could go out and buy that designer dress ?  I know I do! Well  let me introduce you to a  little boutique called Du Jour.

Du Jour allows you to rent out designer dresses! You can also rent to own! How exciting is that?  Now its not only just men who can rent out tuxes, woman can rent their dresses too! They carry sizes 0-24 with the cost of renting about $150+ with an additional $25 dry cleaning fee. Its so affordable! They carry designer labels such as;  Gucci, Prada, Calvin Klein and Betsey Johnson.

Du Jour is located at 628 Abbot St, Vancouver, BC.

What am I gonna buy????

08/28/2008

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I’m SO excited! I’m heading off to Seattle for the weekend! Its a trip I have been planning with a friend ALL summer. Now comes the most important question–how do I spend my money? I think I will opt for cheap meals and MORE SHOPPING!!

I have a list started already, here is what I plan to buy at Sephora: (although I’m sure I will downsize)

-Tend Skin (its great for razer burn…)

-Dark Red Lipstick (its all over the runways and I MUST have it!)

-Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara

-Nars nail polish and gloss set, Orgasm (great pinky gold shade)

-Mac Jabobs Daisy line cosmetic case

-Tarte, 7 Day Lash Stain ( I wonder if it really works??)

-OPI drying drops ( cause I ALWAYS fudge up freshly pained nails)

Here are a few things I’m looking to find everywhere else…

-A bell skirt (If I can pull it off)

-A plain loose fitting v-neck white tee

-Textured tights

-Souchy boots

-Flat oxfords

-A new Bag (cause I ruined mine with liquid, grrr)

And of course whatever else catches my attention along the way! Wish me luck!!