Closed

Between deadlines at work and keeping a gym routine, I have been able to avoid the mall during lunch breaks. Imagine my surprise when I saw this.

Right beside is this.

At the end of the corridor...

Whew! Just under renovation.






Across that is...

Another store under renovation.






Lastly, the saddest picture (to me). This used to be my favourite Tristan branch. No more brick-and-mortar in BC but their head office promises online service (fingers drumming and holding breath).

The big dollar store has closed down too. Sometimes, January is just not the time for bargains, huh?

Back draft - at Tristan

If you read my previous posts, you'll know that I often visit Tristan stores. While buying dress pants in (what else) camel-shade, a sales person showed me the matching blazer.

Now I'm not as picky as I should be when it comes to fitting. I'm learning from you lovely ladies but I do compromise. The front part looks so lovely in person. So I bought it with only two minutes to think about it (Hubby had to return to work for a meeting). When I tried it again at home, I turned to look at the back and was dismayed.

The jacket was too long for my torso so the vent kept wanting to open (causing a "back draft"). Even when the jacket was unbuttoned, it stayed open -- not as much but still annoyingly noticeable to me. For that reason, I've returned it. If you are at least 5'3", this would fit much better on you. I think Tristan is still having their 50% off sale. Don't be intimidated by the high-end display. March to the back of the store where they store more price-reduced items.

Click here to connect to their website. This jacket is not showing up on their website.

Excuse the shirt and pants. I just wanted to post this up quickly while the jacket is still in the stores.

Enjoy the weekend!

Tristan: petite-friendly?

When FitReview debuted, we were invited to share pictures of items on a petite frame. This is the dress I posted.

This size XS dress is from Tristan (Canadian). As of yet, they do not sell online. They offer tailored, polished pieces. I went when it first opened at a mall near my office. For two minutes. Long enough to see the prices - yikes! For two years, I would dare myself to go in. I was intimidated by the snooty-looking and older sales staff. This summer, they hired a younger sales associate named Alex. So friendly, helpful and patient. She helped me decide on several pieces.

Mustard yellow

In my early twenties, I wore mustard yellows and any shade of poop (it seems). I didn't know how to pair it properly and I also picked up the incorrect skirt or jacket lengths. I don't profess to know it all but I hope that my years have added some wisdom not to repeat my mustard-wearing-twenties. Enter Extrapetite and her rocking know-how on wearing mustards and olive shades. She makes it look so good so I vowed to try it again.

While in Seattle for a Mariners game, I saw Loft for the first time and ventured in. I found this shirt.

Loft ruffle front tshirt XS $34.50 (sale $15?)
Tristan navy skirt (lined) XS $89
Aerosoles strappy nude sandals size6 $15 (sample sale)
Necklace (thrifted)

I've paired it with jeans (untucked) and even with a red skirt. I quite like it and will try more olive and mustard shades again.

The skirt was a splurge but it is machine washable and retains its shape (Lycra). It is soft and exceptionally light in weight for a lined skirt. The other side of the removable tag also shows it a travel suit. For me, that means less smile lines across my hips.

Twice a year, I go to a Shoe Sample Sale. The first time I went, my husband and I stood with mouths agape at the ice arena stocked with tables of size 6 shoes in Born, Timberland, Tsubo, Tommy Hilfiger, Franco Sarto, Hilary Radley, Guess, Aerosoles, Clarks, Miz Mooz, Sofft and more. At $15 to 50, it is worth the trip. Most of my shoes come from there but I think I will skip the one in October.

Excuse the background mess. I'm a noob at blogging and haven't found the perfect setup for taking pictures...nor do I have a timer and stand. I don't know if I will blog for long so the extra expense is not justifiable to me. Yet.

Do you like mustards and olives? What shades do you pair it with?