May « 2009 « Style Per Diem

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inopinate 9:32 pm on May 31, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Inopinate – May 30

I never really know what to wear to a comedy club, because no matter what I wear, I end up feeling overdressed. So I went with this scaled down version of what I would call dressy.

From Style Per Diem

Pants: My favorite pair of dressy jeans – the DKNY Times Square. It is uniform dark wash blue denim with a straight cut that’s long enough for me to wear real heels for a change. To top it all, they fit me perfectly off the rack. I am so afraid to ruin their length and fit, that I have worn them only about five times since I bought them last year. And never washed.

Top: My love for satin is no secret. I chose this rather plain olive satin top to keep the look dumbed down. It is a simple button down top with short sleeves and pockets on the bust. Though the top comes with a tie at the waist, it serves purely to up the style factor. The top is very well tailored, and comes in at the waist even without the tie. This was one of my purchases from Le Château when I first discovered them in Montréal. I am very pleased with their stuff, and even more pleased to have found them in the US last year.

Shoes: Suede pumps with patchwork in black and varying shades of brown, from Bobbi Blu.

Accessories: A mixed materials chunky necklace from Kokommo, paired with a pewter criss cross leather clutch, also from Kokommo. The small mixed materials embellishment on the clutch ties in the necklace. A floating crystals strap watch from Jules Jurgensen, and gold bangles just to add another metallic.
weewoman, inopinate, and Educated Tatya are discussing. Toggle Comments
- weewoman 5:25 am on June 1, 2009 Permalink
  
  Love the look! Le Chateau doesn’t fit me!
- Educated Tatya 9:24 am on June 1, 2009 Permalink
  
  Statement neckpieces are your ‘thing’!
- inopinate 6:47 pm on June 1, 2009 Permalink
  
  You’re kidding! Too loose? I actually found stuff there that was *gasp* too tight for me.
- inopinate 6:48 pm on June 1, 2009 Permalink
  
  They have become my thing in the last year since I keep getting them as presents. Apparently, people think I’m willing to take fashion risks. Wonder where they get that idea.
- weewoman 5:11 am on June 2, 2009 Permalink
  
  I find the proportions weird I think…
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weewoman 11:02 am on May 30, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Dilshad Burman – May 29

Unfortunately I could not deliver on the walking shorts as previously mentioned, as the weather played spoil sport with a stellar start to the day at 22-23 degrees and then a quick drop down to 12-14 when I actually managed to get myself out the door. So I chose this instead:

From Style Per Diem

The pants: Recently scored and shrunk classic black dress pants in an almost straight cut, flattering in all the right places with accessible pockets to fashionably rest hands in, which is a BIG plus.

The top: A FANTASTIC find by the ever resourceful and fashion forward Educated Tatya, passed on to the somewhat fashion timid sister, and then passed on to the ‘make it work for you’ me. Worn a total of ONCE, a.k.a tonight, by any of us. Its a silk Lee top with a wide V neck, some rouching at the V, short sleeves, almost kaftaan like in its cut, till it cinches down to the striped rib at the bottom. Its also got paisley/kairi embroidery detailing on a diagonal axis defined between the right shoulder and left hip. I love it because the rib gives it a bit of a casual feel while the fabric and embroidery lend some class. Its comfy and breezy and with dress pants, strikes the perfect balance between ‘dinner casual’ and ‘jazz bar classy’.

The shoes: Taking the old faithfuls out for another round, these are the previously worn ankle strap black heels with criss cross detailing at the toes. They’re still ridiculously comfy to walk in and when I know its going to be a night where we’re bound to run around, its almost irresponsible to wear anything else.

Accessories: I chose a long brass chain which I looped around my neck and through itself to create this single long strand. I’m also wearing simple medium sized hoop ear-rings and a lovely avant garde cuff that is on my other arm. I wear it often and I’ll post it soon.

I’m trying to diversify my night out clothes from ‘jeans and nice top’ to ‘other pants and other nice tops’. Overall I felt this outfit was mature but didn’t make me look like I was playing dress up with mommy’s clothes.
weewoman, and Educated Tatya are discussing. Toggle Comments
- Educated Tatya 11:06 am on May 30, 2009 Permalink
  
  Oh you make it look so good! It’s the chain that does it! I
- weewoman 6:44 pm on May 30, 2009 Permalink
  
  Thenkyew! And to think I almost wore a short strand of black beads.
  Actually.. I thought the top would slip and slide and hence reveal too much but no matter how much it slithered around, it generally stayed within modest grounds which makes this my new FAVOURITE throw on and go night top.
Ella Shi 11:53 pm on May 29, 2009 Permalink | Reply
May 29th, 23 degrees.

It’s hard to see a sunny day like this lately. The weather in Toronto hasn’t been good so far this year, because I still need to wear my leather jacket everywhere I go. This minute you see it’s 23 degrees outside, the next minute it can be raining or haloing and plus wind chill, down to 10 degrees.

A typical outfit to work.
- Jacket: from ZARA-TRF.
  I don’t know if this is the real Zara brand product or not, because I bought it in China and of course it is cheaper than here. It is 100% leather so I try not to wear it in the rainy day. But it is very convinient and light weighted so I can wear it anywhere I go. It looks pretty simple and easy on my and I love that it has pockets.
- Shirt: from H&M
  It’s just a simple basic tee I got 2 for $10 at H&M, very comfortable and it is 100% cotton so it is very good for the basic wear.
- Jeans: from American Eagle
  It’s such the trend for this year to wear this type of jeans which called “the boy cut fit jeans”. I got it at American Eagle. It is thinner than other jeans and it is softer so it can be wear into any kind of shape that suits you. I love it because of the color and the destoryed material makes it look very casual and it also has the look of natrual.
- Sandles: from H&M
  There sandles are my favorite ones. They are only $19 from H&M. It is slightly too high for me, but I am trying to get used to wear high heels around, so I can adjust my walking and standing ways. I love the sandles because they are so comfortable to wear, and it looks high but it is very soft from the inside, and of course, it is fabric material, and it’s made in India.
nidhi 8:58 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Unworn

Most of the elements in this outfit have been a staple for me this season. For a cooler day, I wear a longer top/tunic, thicker shawl around the neck and opague leggings with slouchy boots. The cardigan brings it together. But it’s almost summer now. So that version may not be coming back any time soon.

top/t-shirt: v-neck sheer white t shirt.

jeans: Erin Fetherston for Target black skinny jeans. These are pretty old now but I love the light material and black works great for skinny jeans.

shoes: dark maroonish juttis/mojris from India. I stock up on these when I go and I tend to buy them from a shoe store in Connaught Place instead of the handicrafts stalls. The shoe store ones are super soft and don’t pinch the feet.

cardigan: I love wearing this Richard Chai for Target cardigan during spring. It’s the perfect lightness and has just the slightest warmth. I like the gray metallic buttons.

accessories: scarf/shawl is a gift from a recent trip back home. I love the colors on this one. There’s even some electric blue!
Ella Renee, Nidhi, inopinate and 2 others are discussing. Toggle Comments
- Educated Tatya 9:02 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  Thanks for reminding me. I need to get my juttis out.
- weewoman 11:27 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  Such a comfy yet stylish look! Love the scarf! And I’ve been looking for a cardigan like that. No Target up here though.
- inopinate 4:50 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  You look so cozy in that!
- Nidhi 5:00 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  it’s perfectly cozy for spring and I love cozy !
- Nidhi 5:00 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  I think H&M has some decent long cardigans…I need to look for another one too…
- Ella Renee 6:33 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  I love the cardigan. It has a very slim look and love the color
Ella Shi 8:55 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
I've been looking for a site like this f…

I’ve been looking for a site like this for such a long time, and I love the idea that we can share our outfits here, and exchanging opinions.

I am very happy that I can contribute to the site from now on, so I will do my best to make interesting posts.

My clothes is mostly black+white+grey. I don’t know why I shopped for so many dark color clothes, one simple reason is darker color is easy to match with accessories.
- T-shirt: from http://www.izzue.com (bought in Hong Kong, this winter)
  I bought this stripe T-shirt in Hong Kong this winter, it is a brand name by a famous movie star Maggie Zhang whom designed and mostly hand made clothes. It is 100% cotton and it is very comfortable, soft and light weighted. I have always loved stripe patterns, because they are easy to wear with Jeans or skirts. Especially this one is perfectly shaped for my wider shoulder.
- Skirt: from H&M Jeans
  It is a simple black denim skirt by H&M. I bought it when it was on sale so I spent only $10 on it, I am very happy to get a simple one color denim skirt. I’ve always liked mini denim skirt, but I find the lighter color denim skirt is too much of an attention. So I like this black one a lot, it makes the same look, in a quite way.
- Boots: Minnetoka Sude Brown Short
  I love frindge boots when it first came out, it is a very “draw attention” design but it definetly attracted my eyeballs. It is also very comfortable compare with other boots I own from other brands. Minnetoka is very soft and easy to walk. The only bad thing is this is not water proof, so I can’t wear it when it’s a rainy day.
- Scarf: Alexandra McQueen
  It suppose to be a luxury accessory. I think the real one cost about $400 per scarf. I bought this on my visit to China this time and it only cost me ￥20 – which is $4 canadian. I love the skelethon shape on it, it is fashion, but also a different feel.
inopinate, Ella Renee, and Educated Tatya are discussing. Toggle Comments
- Educated Tatya 9:03 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  I would never have the courage to mix stripes and prints together. You make it look so effortless.
- inopinate 4:51 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  What material are the shoes? You can use a waterproofing spray on them. Works great for light rain.
- Ella Renee 6:32 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  I think is 100% leather, it’s like one of those UGG’s materieal. But it’s not processed ,so I am afraid water will ruin it, waterproffing spray? I will get some and sounds good.
- inopinate 7:17 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  The spray works on leather. You will probably have to do 2 coats, second one after the first one dries completely. Of course it won’t help in a soaking downpour, but you’ll be able to handle drizzle.
inopinate 3:22 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Inopinate – May 25

Day Three

I created this outfit to once again marry comfort and style. On the way back from Napa, we decided to take the PCH. The style component was inspired by the scenic beauty of the route. The drive is more an odyssey than a journey, as I learned from experience last year. So there was a clear imperative for comfort.

From Style Per Diem

Pants: The Editor pant from Express in white, with brown and beige stripes. I should get paid for being a spokesperson for this pant, considering how many pairs I own. This one fits a little looser than the other pairs in my wardrobe. I find jeans restrictive to movement; they don’t rank very high on my comfort scale. These pants with their straight cut were the perfect choice for the day.

Top: Inspired by the breathtaking views on the PCH, I chose this white T-shirt with the beautiful cherry blossom print. The material is very soft and sheer, so I threw on a white tank underneath.

Shoes: I went with my toffee-colored Nine West Mary Janes again.

Accessories: The GBB, the chronograph, and some gold bangles. I love playing with the idea of femininity, now that I have short hair. Accessories such as these bangles are a lot more fun when you are not flaunting obvious sexuality à la long wavy hair. When it got cold and foggy at the vista points along the way, I wrapped a beige scarf around my head.
inopinate, Educated Tatya, Ella Renee and one other person are discussing. Toggle Comments
- weewoman 4:14 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  Simply ADORE the t-shirt. Pants are lovely too.
- Ella Renee 4:29 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  Love the T-shirt. Looks comfy!
- Educated Tatya 8:47 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  I am a sucker for cherry blossoms.
- inopinate 4:53 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  Thanks! I found the t-shirt in some random unknown store in the mall and it’s very comfy. What I like best about it is that it has the same print on the back as well.
inopinate 2:48 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Inopinate – May 24

Day Two

This was wine country day. Napa weather is predictable like clockwork. Cold marine layer in the morning, which burns off by lunchtime to make way for crisp sunshine. I needed an ensemble that would work through all those transitions.

From Style Per Diem

Dress: Another H&M find. White cotton jersey material with purple ink blot print. It has a braided waistband and matching braid detail on the sleeves. I pull out this dress when I want to look like I am wearing a dress, but feel like I am wearing a T-shirt.

From Style Per Diem

Leggings: Basic black ones with lace trim. Although they do not provide much by way of warmth, there is something about being directly exposed to the elements that makes me feel colder. Having these on helped me stay warm mentally. I wore them partly to balance the shape of the jacket as well.

Jacket: Who knew avant-garde could be so wearable? But if anyone can make it happen, it’s H&M. That store has earned its keep in the last year or two, and this one jacket alone makes up for all the jersey and denim junk they put out in their early years in the US. This stone grey jacket is eccentric, chic, warm, and I love it. Its shape throws out conventional proportions to create this larger-than-life look. It also traps in large amounts of air with its pleats and balloon sleeves, creating an insulating effect. The built-in scarf is detachable, but why would you want to do that? I like to wear it in a loose knot in line with the yoke. I took off the jacket as the day warmed up, and I actually missed it.

Shoes: My first and only pair of boots, which I bought earlier this year. Boots, like pants, are impossibly difficult for me to find in my size. The ones that are big enough to fit my feet provide enough hide-and-seek space for a small animal around the ankles and calves. I have given up on the idea of boots altogether, except for this lucky loot from Juno New York. They are black patent leather, they have a slight heel, and they were made for me. I like the way they look with the leggings.

Accessories: Nothing worth mentioning. I wanted the focus to be on the jacket.
weewoman, and inopinate are discussing. Toggle Comments
- weewoman 4:13 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  LOVE the jacket! I didn’t see it this season..I’m also rather afraid of trying out different silhouettes on my extra petite frame, but you carry it off wonderfully! The closest I came to a slightly adventurous coat was also an H&M number, which I’ll post…NEXT winter.
- inopinate 4:56 pm on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  Thanks! I got this last fall, and it’s a size 2 which I believe is the smallest they cut. I think it might be too long for you. But their stuff looks promising this season as well. I’m sure you’ll find something that works for you.
- weewoman 2:27 am on May 29, 2009 Permalink
  
  Size 2 is usually what works best at H&M for me too…but its hit and miss sometimes. I found myself a great fall-winter transition coat, somewhat avant-garde, with an over sized collar, an almost mini dress silhouette, belted low on the hips. Great with skinny jeans and boots. If it gets that cold one of these days, GOD FORBID, I’ll post it.
inopinate 5:37 am on May 27, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Inopinate – May 23

I am back from the long weekend to show you three looks that chronicle my trip.

Day One

A long drive called for comfort, and the snob in me must look stylish in public. Somewhere between the ages of 17 and 27, I mastered (if I say so myself) the art of balancing the two. I present this outfit as a testimonial.

From Style Per Diem

Shorts: For reasons unknown, the walking short is rather undervalued as a style staple. This khaki pair is basic, well tailored and very comfortable.

Top: As promised, this is the top from the April 30 outfit, sans sweater. The white-on-white embroidery adds depth to the solid. The Chinese collar and the small ruffle by the placket provide additional visual interest. Another comfort-optimizing piece. 100% cotton.

Shoes: When I got my first real job, this was the first pair of shoes I bought. Even though they are now showing their age, I cannot seem to part with them. They are toffee-colored Nine West Mary Janes with a round toe. In spite of the heel, they are uber comfortable for walking and driving.

Accessories: The GBB, the Skagen chronograph, some gold bangles, and a bracelet that I turned into an anklet because it was made for American wrists. It broke the very next day, so I am glad I have photos in memoriam.
weewoman, inopinate, and Educated Tatya are discussing. Toggle Comments
- weewoman 11:05 am on May 27, 2009 Permalink
  
  I <3 walking shorts too! Nice look!
- Educated Tatya 2:43 pm on May 27, 2009 Permalink
  
  I have a pair of Ann Taylor Loft shorts (coming to SaM soon) that are just perfect too.
- inopinate 9:44 pm on May 27, 2009 Permalink
  
  If we ever want to do a theme, we know what it should be! Show me yours, both of you.
- weewoman 1:25 am on May 28, 2009 Permalink
  
  I’m planning a night out outfit this friday that may involve some black ones.
weewoman 1:49 pm on May 26, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Dilshad Burman – May 24

This weekend was Open Doors in the city, where a 175 buildings that are otherwise either closed to the public or charge for entry open their doors and let everyone in to take a tour, a look around or take an inordinate amount of pictures of buildings and then not know what to do with said amount of pictures.
It was also the weekend my friend from another city came a-visiting after 5 months. A day of loitering of this magnitude, with guaranteed warm weather, called for necessarily comfortable shoes and something practical yet breezy.
I picked this..

From Style Per Diem

The dress: Grey, 100% cotton shirt-dress, buttoned down, with an extended pin-tucked yoke, slightly puffed sleeves and elasticated cinched waist. Its fully lined and has pockets which is a big plus for me in any dress. It fits just right on the waist and is modestly flattering in all the right places without being too tight or clingy.
I’ve been told it looks like an “East German Front patrol guard” uniform. Which, when you look closely, I suppose it does.

The shoes: These shoes are also in their final lap (excuse pun, again). I bought them from…wait for it…BABY GAP back in college, and they weren’t even the biggest size available. So much for trying to look ‘grown up’. I love them because they’re sneaker-ish slip ons, hence comfy to walk in for a while, and the dark blue corduroy with the bright blue lace up bow were all too adorable to pass up.

Accessories: There is so much going on with the dress itself, I wanted to avoid making it too busy. So I chose simple black beads and decided to add a big, bright, dual-printed cloth tote for a much needed dose of colour. Its almost a beach bag, but not quite. Big enough to carry a sweater, not quite big enough for a beach towel.

Overall it was the most comfortable ‘running around the city’ outfit I’ve put together, or rather slipped on, in a while.
Minimal effort + decent results = whine free Sunday. And that’s a good day for everyone.
ellarenee is discussing. Toggle Comments
- ellarenee 7:30 am on May 27, 2009 Permalink
  
  I love this dress, when I saw it I thought it was so pretty. It’s casual and comfortable, but also have the dressy cute look. Nice choice fi.
weewoman 1:44 pm on May 26, 2009 Permalink | Reply
Dilshad Burman – May 23 Evening

My ‘person I prefer to call something better than boyfriend’ said the girl that was already at the party was wearing jeans and a ‘nice top’. By that he meant regular jeans, a big buckled belt and a tight brown cotton shirt. This is my definition of ‘nice’. Not ‘LOOKATME’, just ‘nice’.

From Style Per Diem

The jeans: Very dark, indigo blue jeans in a close fit, straight cut. Nice to dress up or dress down.

The top: Black, empire waist, low neck cotton jersey top, with small puffed sleeves and off white crochet detailing below the high waist and on the shoulders. It also has a very thin sash/belt around the back to further cinch under the bust line. I like the fact that while the neck is low, its fairly closed and just subtly sexy.

The shoes: These are on their last legs (excuse the pun). They were the very first pair of shoes I bought when I moved here. 2 inch, black ankle strap heels with a criss- cross pattern on the toe. Perfect for dresses or pants.

Accessories: I went with a red clutch to make it all pop somewhat. It doesn’t exactly ‘match’, but I think it ‘goes’ fine. The pendant is a bright purple-pink swarovski crystal square on a silver chain, made by a local designer who retails out of a small store is a too-trendy neighbourhood. A gift from the beloved. I stuck with my regular small silver hoops for ear-rings to avoid making the whole thing too busy.

I felt a wee bit over-dressed for the occasion once I met everyone else, but I’d rather feel a little over dressed than a lot underdone.
Serves me right for listening to a man who only has ONE sister.