Citron Summer Outfit

Pink Blush & Zulily Yellow & White Crochet-Accent Cutout Top $29, Old Navy Jean Relaxed fit Capris (Old), H&M Black Sandals $24, Steve Madden White Hobo Bag $49 , Ray-Ban Cyclamen Pink Mirror Cockpit Flash Lenses $170, Etsy watch (Gift)

I’ve received a lot of DMs regarding this outfit, so I decided to post it again to my Instagram feed and blog about it.

This outfit has an easy feel to it. The top from Pink Blush is airy and has enough style to instantly make it unique. That’s what I look for in any piece of clothing – original detailing that makes it different from any other piece of clothing in that category, whether it be the fitting, pattern, colour, stitching, cut and design of the garment, etc… Finding the right details is the key. Too much detail or the wrong detail could spell disaster. So, be cognizant of what flatters you the best and what parts you want to highlight.

Once you have that unique piece of clothing, then it’s super simple to add other pieces for any eye-catching and stylish Spring or Summer look. But make sure that the other pieces you are adding are simple basics. You never want more than two fashionable pieces to compete for attention. If you do have two pieces of clothing or accessories you want to flaunt, make sure that they compliment, not compete with, each other.

Finding your own personal style can be challenging, but with fashion consciousness and practice, you’ll be turning heads in no time. Well, that’s it for now. Until next time…

Happy Shopping!

Exotic Homemade Smoothie

Had this healthy refresher up on Chic Stylistics Insta a while back, but wanted to share the makings of this fantastic smoothie. The amount of each ingredient is left up to your discretion.

Simply blend:

Fresh, sweet, ripe, mango
Strawberries
Banana
Vanilla almond milk
Greek yogurt
Raw honey

That’s it! It’s that simple! Quick and easy!

Now, go make this delicious drink and enjoy a moment being refreshed.

Happy healthy living to you!

Zucchini – Quick and Easy

One thing I definitely love to do is cook. So, today, I’m specifically talking about side dishes.

Side dishes served during a meal are often understated and ignored. I’m always looking for interesting sides to add to my main course. Whether it be traditional or uncommon sides, choosing the right side dishes to compliment the main players of a menu, often make the entire meal tastier and more appetizing.

Now, it’s one thing deciding on a delicious side dish, but another to also make sure it’s healthy – and more often than not, many healthy dishes are too complicated because of ingredients or vegetables that are hard to find at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.

Choosing a healthy side dish doesn’t have to be complicated. Tonight, I chose to make a side dish, using fresh, local, organic zucchini, while keeping the ingredients as simple as possible.

Basically, I cooked this side in 5 steps:

Sautéed garlic and onions in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Added pre-washed, chopped zucchini and sautéed until softened.
Added freshly chopped herbs of oregano, parsley, and basil that I harvested from my mom’s herb garden.
Added a pinch of sea salt and pepper.
Voila! Transfer to a dish and serve!

No need to make things complicated for a healthy, quick and easy side dish everyone is sure to enjoy.

Here’s to more yummy things to cook and eat in the future. And yes! Please help sustain and support your local farmer’s market or grocery store. They are important for a healthy and vibrant culture and community.

Happy healthy living to you!

Make a statement

Anne Emma Jewelry, Etsy $12.35 or less

It’s been too long since I last blogged, but I’m finally back. Today, I’m talking about making a statement – a statement with bling!

A classy girl can never have enough pretty baubles and jewels. My favourite shop for statement necklaces is Anne Emma Jewelry, a shop on Etsy. But there are many stores that have fabulous and divine statement jewelry, from necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. The trick is knowing what your style is. Ask yourself, how far are you willing to garner attention? Then, once you’re clear on what you are willing to wear and your price point (statement pieces can get pricey), pay attention in stores to what they have and carry – the sizes, patterns, shapes, colours, quality, etc…Additionally, think about the outfits that you wear or have, at the same time that you are looking around.

From sparkling and shiny gems, to colourful beads or stones, a gorgeous statement piece is sure to make an outfit. As long as the statement piece is the only thing screaming for attention, and not competing against colour, pattern, or the style of the outfit, it’s sure to be a winner.

Amp up the most plain white t-shirt and jeans with the right statement necklace. Then, throw on a classic and tailored blazer. Pair this outfit with cute ballet flats or strappy sandals, if you are on the go, or match it with high-heel pumps or trendy wedge shoes, and you’re sure to look like a million bucks.

Easy style with a touch of bling will make any girl’s day a fab day!

That’s it for now. Happy Shopping!

A gem for your gems

I’m absolutely in love with my one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry stand courtesy of my good friend @daintystyleblog.com. This gem has everything a Chic Stylistics girl would want in a jewelry stand for her gems.

My three piece stand is handcrafted using two different size white plates and a candlestick holder, hand-painted in my favourite colour – tiffany blue/robin’s egg blue. The unique design on the centre of each plate is hand-painted in a black.

It’s design and function is simplistic, yet practical. It’s modern and contemporary, yet timeless. This great find provides a chic way of displaying your beautiful jewelry pieces and accessories, while providing a quick and easy access to them.

The best part is, as a DIY project, you can make it as high as you want, and in whatever colours you desire. So, head over to @daintystyleblog.com for more details on how to make this fabulous jewelry stand.

Until next time, take care…

The power of red

Chicwish kiss me bow top in white $42.42 (reg. $49.90) , DSW Red patent leather pumps (old), H & M tweed pant $39, Kate Spade Martine Wellesley red leather shoulder tote bag $209, Ardene black with gold accent earrings $10, Banana Republic gold ringed bracelet (old), Lucien Piccard white watch (old)

This outfit it timeless and classic. It can be easily replicated by using any other type or style of white blouse, along with a tweed, or even herringbone, patterned style pants. A pair of plain black pants would do nicely, as well.

What makes the outfit stand out is the power of red added as an accent colour. It still keeps the outfit timeless and classic, and perfect for the office. It says a lot about your personality. It speaks volumes in terms of telling people that you are serious about business, but still like to have fun.

So, go ahead! Use the power of red!

It’s not too much to stand out with, but is enough to say, “I’m not like anybody else!”

Happy Shopping!

Monochromatic winter fashion mix

Winners Black wide-brimmed wool hat (old), Danier Houndstooth Gloves (old), Calvin Klein Long Wool Coat (old), Sheinside Beige Plaid Sweater with High Neck $14.33 (Reg. $30), H&M Black Pants $39.99, Nine West Booties (old)

I wore a subtle, graphic-print, high-neck sweater to break up the monochromatic black outfit. It adds just enough pattern and interest to an otherwise plain dark outfit.

Wearing a wide-brimmed wool hat is a different take on a winter hat paired with an outfit that can be comfortably worn to the office or for a casual day out.

Every piece is classic and timeless, and can be mixed and matched easily with any other winter fashion piece.

Happy Shopping!

February beauty favourites

Sephora Collection Retractable Kabuki Brush on sale now $11 (Reg. $22), bare Minerals Ready Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 $36, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice $10

Look divine and fabulous with these beauty products I love.

Sephora travel kabuki brush – Besides the fabulous hot pink fushia colour it possesses, this easy to travel make-up brush applies and blends any powder evenly and smoothly on the face. Available in other colours.

bare Minerals Ready Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 – This press powder comes in a thin, sleek, stylish case that holds a foundation that provides a flawless, light-feeling, long-lasting hydration coverage for any skin tone or complexion. But beware that this compact press powder does not come with an applicator pad. Hence, the reason why I bought the Sephora travel kabuki brush to go with it. Available in other colours.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice – This is a stay true colour lipstick that goes on evenly and smoothly. The colour lasts all day and has a silky and moisturizing effect for super soft lips. Array of colours available. Voted as Canadian Living best new product of 2014 by consumers.

Happy Shopping!

Topnotch tartan

Chicwish Green tartan dolly dress with big bow, on sale now for $72.17 ($84.90)

Being on the petite side, I am always conscious of colours and patterns when I’m shopping for clothes. I would not normally go for an all plaid dress because of worry that it would overwhelm me. But I could not resist buying this cute tartan dolly dress.

The quality of this dress is topnotch. It’s a one piece dress that you put on, like a coat, with snap buttons that overlap in front to close the dress. The big bow in the front of the dress, colour, and plaid pattern poses a subtle attractiveness. The flowy style moves with your body and is one comfortable outfit.

This dress makes it super easy to look put together in a flash for a girl-on-the-go, like me, who often has limited time to get ready in the morning.

Happy shopping!

A touch of gold

White Poppin stapler $14.99, gold & white notebook on clearance for $9, gold & white notepad on clearance for $5 from Chapters Indigo. Silver and white pencil holder (from last year’s holiday collection at Chapters Indigo).

Here are a few office accessories that I picked up one day from Chapters Indigo. They have fast become my favourite pieces that I’ve added to my office. You can never go wrong with adding a touch of gold, or even silver, for a bit of sparkle as you work.

I’ve been fixing up and tidying up my office all weekend. It brings a level of class and sophistication to any office space, especially when you have a pink Swarovski pen, and Lindt chocolate hearts to go with it.

Happy Shopping!