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!

Skinny jeans love

At the cost of dating myself, I remember wearing skinnies back in high school. Now I know they say, if you're old enough to have worn them the first time they were in fashion…Ha! I've learned to ignore some sayings.

I tried a few jeans before I settled on this Gap jeans. I have found some other brands since that purchase but there's something about first love that makes you reach for it again and again. This is an easy pairing for me on casual Fridays.

I've worn them so much that the waist has stretched out more than an inch. That, or I've lost weight (not likely). To avoid having to pull them up so often, I found that a belt is a must. I tried the front tuck. Is it ok?

I rely on shirts and jackets to hide the gape at the back. (Looks like I might need a hair trim)

During their Black Friday sale here in Canada, I stopped by at Gap to find a replacement. Nope, nothing left in my size. I might just have to add these to the pile destined for my tailor.

Ladies who own Gap jean leggings: did the waist line stretch out on you?

Animal Print heels

I've always thought animal print shoes were not for me. Classic but not really basic. It was not something that stores near me would sell anyway. Two weeks ago, I passed by The Bay's (Canadian) shoe section on my way to girl's wear (no, not for me but my daughter). Guess what I found?

Beautiful almond toe and hint of toe cleavage make it a yes for me. Platform heel is about 4". This Expression brand came in two versions: Carina is the wedge and Christina in non-wedge. The animal print only came in the wedge. Other shades were brown croc, nude, black, black patent and red. Some shades are fast becoming "extinct" online.

I had to try it on. I was secretly praying it was not comfortable. Nope. It felt and looked good. Several customers commented on how good it looked then proceeded to ask the sales clerk for their size too.


If you read my nude shoe post, you know that most of my shoes are from sample shoe sales. So at full price of $79.99, I was going to take my chances at finding my size in the nude and animal print when they are on sale. The sales clerk kindly advised me that the 2-for-$99.99 event just finished a week ago so it likely will not be on sale again. I walked away empty-handed. That was a Wednesday. By Friday night, I resolved to buy the nude at full price. On Saturday, the same sales clerk was there and was about to leave (end of shift) but not before she told the cashier that the 2-for sale price is still valid. When she looked my way, I mouthed my heartfelt "thank you" for helping me save. You see, the nude was definitely coming home with me - sale or no sale - but I could not leave the animal print at the store.

Looking back, I do not know what I would have done if it also came in flats…hmmm.

October was a blur

The last few weeks have been busy for me - personally and professionally. October up to mid-November, I'm up to my ears with planning a kid's party, finding the perfect gifts and orchestrating a grand day for hubby. My daughter celebrated her birthday by having a pool party with several of her friends.

One of the friends has severe nut allergy so after-dinners were spent looking for simple cake recipes to make at home to ensure no nuts in the ingredients. Bakeries could not guarantee that any cake would be 100% nut-free. In the end, we settled for cupcakes which were easy to make and serve. The kids loved it so much that they had seconds and thirds so there were none left to take home.

Here is my daughter testing out her requested birthday gift - boots - as her Dad looks on.

Tomorrow will be my husband's birthday and we both took the day off from work to pad around downtown. My daughter is coming with us since her school is closed for Professional Day. The weather forecast is for clouds. I'll take that over a wet day. I'm excited for tomorrow!


Happy birthday my sweeties!

Jacob and Le Chateau now sell online

If you didn't know already…Jacob now sells online anywhere to Canada. I think I read somewhere that they are hoping to branch out to the US eventually. I think that's great. For those not familiar with Jacob's line, here are some pieces from my wardrobe.

I do not own too many Le Chateau items. A turquoise knit top and old green jacket (no pic).

Their clothing is more likely suited for people who are not petites. The torso is longer and of course, sleeves and hem fit those who are 5'4" and up. I still visit Le Chateau now and then for accessories and shoes. In a separate post, I'll feature the purse I bought recently.


Have you checked out either of these stores before?

Halloween 2011

Every year, my co-workers and I dress up for Halloween. We aim to win the Best Team category. Last year, one of the ladies was kind enough to lend us her old saris. This year, we were…

Pirates!

Happy Halloween everybody!

Off to plunder check my little one's loot. Arrr!

Camel coat - which is which

As promised, here are the details on my previous camel coat post.

From H&M for $30! They may have made a mistake. Last week, I saw a new red tag on it as 30%. When I returned it, the clerk kept saying "really??"

This was from Aritzia. (Ping: you definitely have an eye for high quality items!) The Talullah Babaton Bromley Military Coat (buy here). After Canadian taxes, it came to $400 but I still have to add in alterations - yikes! The wool and cashmere blend made it so luxurious but I was not too happy with the high funnel neck. I knew if I kept it, I would regret not being able to close up the collar properly. Return!

H&M for $50. Very classic so I kept this and will make alterations to fit me. This will do for now until I can find a better coat. With the camel trend, I thought I'd find one easily but I was so wrong. It looks like a few petite ladies are on the lookout for a camel coat as well so I will be watching. (I'm exhausted just from these three!)


Thank you to Cee, marialinh, Ping, Elaine and Melissa who commented on my previous post and helped me make a decision.