If I could leave the world with one message, it would be to never underestimate the value of a well-made handbag. (How's that for vapid?)To me, the handbag is the make-or-break of literally ANY outfit. And whether a person chooses to go well-made modest ... or exclusive luxury ... the underlying value is, well, invaluable.
A quality handbag isn't something you merely tote your daily essentials around in. Nor is it a useless status symbol in the daily social hierarchy.
The bottom line is that, no matter WHAT you're wearing, your handbag is the first ... and the last item that is left on the memory of those around you.
Be it satchel, hobo, cross-body, clutch or briefcase ... make the modest (or momentous) investment and purchase something that is timeless and would fit seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe.
Now, get me my purse.
To me, an outfit like this is a no-brainer. Nothing says 'summer' like a breezy dress and espadrille-esque wedges. Yet people still seem to underestimate the figure-complimenting features of a well-fitted dress.
This Kersh number pays a true compliment to the 70's style, polyester-crazy dresses of a bygone era. Bring a retro-inspired dress up to speed with a skinny belt and a complimentary blazer. For this look, I chose a chambray option from the modestly priced PURE by Alfred Sung.
The wedges are a recent acquisition of mine from Aldo. Though I would normally shy away from the fact that they're synthetic material, the beautiful nude colour and partial jute wedge set my heart aflutter.
Now, show me a beach-side café!
You know when you're walking through a store, big or small, and something just attracts your eye like a tiny piece of metal to a GIANT magnet? Well, that type of love-at-first-sight attraction happened, magically, between myself and these shorts.
As I was traversing my way through the UK last summer (read: buying as much as one suitcase could possibly hold) I stumbled across these fabulous, Katy Perry-esque shorts at well-known UK shoppers' paradise, Primark.
"Do you want to party?" the shorts screamed.
"Of course I want to party!" I screamed in reply.
Snatching them up, I bypassed the fitting room and took them to the register. Imagine my surprise when these little babes rang in at 4 pounds!
You're going to charge me roughly $8 to feel like 1 million, "Last Friday Night"-ish, dance-until-your-heel-breaks-off bucks? Yes, please!
These shorts look great with a black tube/tank, creating a playsuit kind of vibe for night, or as pictured, with a sleek, Lyocell blazer from H&M and chunky necklace from The Bay for a day off work.
Now, excuse me while I dance.
Move over, Laura Ingalls Wilder!
With all the maxis and midis walking around the streets, I was determined to procure my own version of this prairie-skirted silhouette.
Though one might assume a flow-y skirt would be easy, breezy to find and wear, I found it somewhat impossible. Unless you're rail-thin, many of the maxi/midi skirts appear extremely voluminous ... and who wants that? I'd really prefer NOT to look like a circus tent, thank you very much!
So, I was delighted (and relieved!) to find this melon-tinted skirt at Forever 21. With its linen/cotton blend and mid-calf length ... it's embodies the airy movement of the prairie skirt trend — without the extra bulk!
Now, take me to my little house ... on the prairie of course!
For today's look, I aimed to take a little of the 'YEE-HAW' out of a western-inspired denim shirt. I paired the distressed shirt by Life In Progress for Forever 21 with a delicate, scalloped-edge linen-blend skirt.
At first I was undecided as to whether to head toward black or neutral accessories ... but in the end, I thought browns would look softer against the slightly abrasive jean. I chose a leather belt from Old Navy, wooden heels by Corso Como Collection and a personal staple, a Louis Vuitton bag.
Now, take me to the rodeo!
I stole this polka-dot blouse for $8 on clearance at Zellers, the rationale behind this purchase being that it would look great tucked in to a white high-waisted skirt for work. —Enter: skinny jeans, Michael Kors platform peep toes and a pop-of-colour MbMJ clutch.—
Worn cinched with a skinny, double-layered belt from The Gap and a Tiffany & Co. dog chain ... this polka-dot top balances a vintage-feel print with a sheer, fashionable fabric.
Now, don't call me Grandma!
Finding the perfect outfit for a Saturday at the office is a little like finding the perfect birthday gift for a complete stranger: utterly directionless. You can bet that no matter what you choose ... to someone ... it will be the completely WRONG thing. My take on the Weekend Office Warrior look is perhaps a little more casual than some would like ... but the structured blazer and colour blocking seems to pull it all to the side of formality. This Isaac Mizrahi blazer is a closet staple with its classic cut and cute floral cuff detail.
The skinny jeans are an admitted new obsession of mine from the Swedish brand, Cheap Monday, which seems to offer middle-of-the road-priced denim in of-the-moment shades.
Now ... for the bag ! This beautiful bag is from the Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Turnlock' collection. With its smooth, soft leather, wide shoulder straps and accessible top entry, this bag is as practical as it is pretty.
Pair this weekend staple with a pair of simple flats and rest assured that you'll shine like a burning ball of productivity in your cramped cubicle.
Now take me to my office!
Let's face it ... it's a jungle out there, so why not embrace that walk-on-the-wild side of life and don a safari-esque outfit. For my take on the trend, I paired a basic sleeveless blouse from Forever 21 with a fantastic pair of olive silk shorts from Aritzia.
Accessories for this lion-friendly outfit include a hand-carved lucite necklace from one of my favourite designers, Alexis Bittar, as well as a quirky ring from Tarina Tarantino.
Now ... what would a real jungle cat wear for shoes with this outfit? Well ... a sky-high pair of neutral heels, of course!
These camel beauties from Aldo, called the 'Destime,' have all the elements of a slick summer shoe including: a buttery, neutral colour; exposed platform, cork adornments and a deadly almond-shaped toe! Now bring me my JEEP!
Now ... what would a real jungle cat wear for shoes with this outfit? Well ... a sky-high pair of neutral heels, of course!
These camel beauties from Aldo, called the 'Destime,' have all the elements of a slick summer shoe including: a buttery, neutral colour; exposed platform, cork adornments and a deadly almond-shaped toe! Now bring me my JEEP!
Seeing as I've had only about a week's worth of summer weather, I thought I might skip ahead to fall fashion ... and my all-time favourite piece ... the scarf.
This iconic Alexander McQueen scarf is one of my year-round, go-to items. Paired with a tank and jeans; leather jacket, mini dress and tights; or any form of ethereal summer confection ... this scarf compliments literally any outfit.
Though I wouldn't classify myself as a shoe-a-holic, I have been known to covet, search and ultimately acquire a select collection of shoes. So, when I spied these magenta, suede pumps at The Bay I found it impossible to pass them up.
Vibrant? Check. Suede? Check. Sky-high heel? Check, check!
Modelled after the classic Christian Louboutin pump, these failsafe Expression heels are bright enough to pair with neutrals for work and edgy/of the moment enough to stomp through the summertime nights in — gel insert definitely required!
After a particularly strenuous day at work I decided to pop into Holt Renfrew for a little retail therapy. While perusing the sale shoe rack (which, admittedly, I had stopped in to look at a mere two days prior) I spotted what appeared to be a simple black ballet flat peeking out at me from amidst the of-the-season wedges.
Moving like a lady on fire, I snatched the lone sole up and let out an almost inaudible squeal of delight when I realized it was THE leather, skull-embossed Alexander McQueen flat. Skipping the prerequisite peek at the price tag on the bottom of the shoe, I hurried to a nearby sales clerk and almost shouted, "I'LL TAKE THEM!"
A mere $211 later — after the dreaded tax of course — I walked away with a beautiful pair of wear-everywhere flats, which I'm already salivating to partner with skinny jeans, shorts, tights and everything in between.
Much like my style, my blog is ever-evolving. See something you think I should change? Want to send me a message? Here’s my contact info so you can do just that!
Email: aleeshah@live.ca
Twitter: @Aleesha_H
Though not exactly new additions to my room ... this chair and its current adornments embody what I lust after: Leather, silk and classic prints.
The Victorian-inspired pillow is my most-recent acquisition, and at $2, I feel it was quite a steal. Meanwhile, the silk tank I purchased recently from Aritzia in Toronto.
Personally I believe virtually any silk item I can get my hands on is worth purchasing ... so suffice to say my closet has grown exponentially since silk has made its more mainstream debut.
With an average income (from a journalism job) and an average-sized body (size 10|L|30), I've set out to showcase fabulous style on a moderate budget.
I adhere to the philosophy that you should buy the best quality that you can possibly afford -- and fully support spending a chunk of change (when it's fiscally possible) on an amazing accessory that will last you forever.
The outfits and items featured on my blog are mostly pieces I've purchased after countless hours navigating fitting rooms and perusing websites in search of that perfect piece.
From handbags to harem pants – and virtually everything in between – you can find a blend of deluxe designers and affordable, mass-market brands fused to create my personal style on Covet and Acquire.
Thanks for looking!
Contact me:
For advertising, brand partnerships, styling tips or any other inquiries, send an e-mail to aleeshah [at] live.ca
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Affiliate linking is occasionally used on this website and associated social media platforms. Gifted items are indicated with a 'c/o' symbol.
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