Friday Five & R's Skin Care Update

# 1 r's Skin Care Update

Still seeing results! I had a bit of a set back when I got my first blemish since the first time I started using the product but that was because I was too tired to get my lazy butt up out of bed to wash my face before bed (big no, no!). The product can't work if you don't use it right?

before

after

# 2 Phone Covers
r - I have to admit I am a bit of a phone case junkie. I get bored easily so I like to mix-it up a bit with my phone accessories. Currently I am wanting this iPhone 5c case.

m- Of coarse, I love this. I have the matching sweater and can't get enough of all things Canadiana!

# 3 Boot Socks
r- The snow will be here before we know it and I absolutely hate cold feet. These cute socks are long enough that they can be seen over your boot and I like that there are so many to choose from for such a low price!

m- I mean business when it comes to socks. They really can make or break my day. Does anyone else remember the no sock - Bass loafer trend? I do and am reminded whenever the cold weather hits. I never want to feel that kind of frost bite pain again and I am more than happy to bundle up my feet in style.

# 4 Faux Fur
r - Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a HUGE animal lover. My dog Rocko and my kitty cat Rooster will vouch for me on that front. It still doesn't stop me from enjoying one of this seasons best trends so far (in my opinion). I am loving everything faux fur. I like how this white scarf is really casual. I think it would look great with dark blue skinnies.

m - I love the colour of this scarf. It adds a little interest when wearing simple black or with a coat for an added touch of luxury. Faux fur is fun and fashion shouldn't be so serious!

# 5 Clutches
r- I have a thing about really big purses. Mainly because I am worried that I might need something (lip gloss, floss, bandaids...you name it..it's in my purse!) But I thought this clutch was a happy medium for me. I could narrow down the essentials (hopefully) but still have a cute clutch to hold onto. Plus I love the colours!

m-  I believe that I could wear tartan all day, everyday. This purse is adorable and adds a little bit of personality to any outfit. I can't wait to incorporate it into an outfit with denim and a faux fur vest.

Friday Favourite Five and Skincare Update

#1
Skincare
r- I am so happy with the results thus far! I cannot believe the difference I have noticed in the evenness and overall appearence of my skin in just two weeks. The first week I found that my skin needed to adjust to the product and that came with some dryness. However, in the second week I have not had one breakout..and I can't stop staring at myself in the mirror! lol I know this sounds a little bit vain but I have never had skin like this and I think I am just sort of still in awe. I hope this continues and it is not just a honeymoon period like I have had with some skin care routines. Stay tuned for my two week reveal!
m- I have had great success with my skin care program. In two weeks, I have stopped wearing foundation and can see a difference in my skin. The instructions said that a noticeable change would happen after five weeks and if this is the case, I can't imagine how happy I will be then! I can see a difference in fine lines and the luminous quality of my skin. I am hoping that as time goes on that some of the age spots (that I didn't know that I had - thank you lifeguarding for six summers) will fade. I am loving this experiment.

40 something

#2
Scarves
r's pick - Cozy..Warm and I think would look super cute with leggings!
m's pick - Tartan
Where to get them? Click on the pictures below:

#3 - Quilted items
r's pick - I love this quilted dress....cute pair of booties to go with maybe?
m's pick - This moto inspired skirt looks edgy without being bulky. It definitely has a place on my wishlist this fall. Both items are from Canadian retailers!
Where to get it? Click on the picture below:

#4 - Watches and Bracelets
r- M and I are really into gold this season...and who wouldn't love to tell time with this gold beauty? Yes Please!
m- I find the design of this bracelet interesting. Mr. Forty Something, are you reading this?
Where to get them? Click on the pictures below:

#5 Nail Polish
r- It's a little bit girly but not too girly. I love bright pinks for spring/summer so to me this colour is a great comprimise for the cooler months of the year.
m- I generally wear candy apple red, but with colour trends dictating what is in my closet, this colour matching everything.
For colour name, click on the picture below:

Outerwear 20-40-60

r- This red fall-to-winter transitional coat has the Little Red Riding Hood vibe doing on...and I like that! It's really warm and cozy but not to hot when I want to run out to the mall or do groceries. I like that the buttons are fastend through ribbons so I don't have to worry about losing a button. Paired it with my faux leather leggings (of course!) and my ballet flats. This kind of outdoor outfit makes me feel a little bit more excited that the chilly temperatures are here.

m- I have had my eye on a J. Crew herringbone vest for about a year. It was a little more than I wanted to pay for a seasonal item, so when I saw this one, I snapped it up (and got 40% off). It is very cozy and not too bulky. Paired with traditional stripes, jeans and riding boots, this outfit speaks to my preference for preppy classics.

k- I bought this trench coat several years ago when the hemline was longer. Since it is a classic style I invested in having the sleeves and hem line shortened.  It is perfect for the fall weather - rain or shine and requires little or no accessories.  Depending on whether I'm running errands, meeting friends for lunch or taking my grandson to the park I may add a printed scarf for colour or a hat.  Sunglasses are an indication that I didn't have time to put makeup on and I'm doing errands so don't get in my way... ha, ha.

60 something

40 something

20 something

Get the look...click below!

(P)leather leggings

r- SO CUTE! Every fashion magazine has these babies at the top of their fall wish list...and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a pair. However that being said I ran into a few obstacles along the way. I don't want to spend $300 on them and I don't want to buy the shiny, cheap looking pleather kind either. When M and I ordered these...we solved both of these issues. These (p)leather leggings look real and they didn't break the bank. Honestly if you don't have a pair yet....you NEED to buy these. Check out the blog for the exact pair M and I have...you will be soooo happy you did.
m- I love it when I find items that I wear again and again -that is the story with these leggings. I find them in rotation frequently because they are so comfortable and go with everything. I paired them with my must-have pieces for the season: chambray shirt, cream knit sweater and combat boots. I like the contradiction between a collared shirt and feminine jewellery and fake leather pants and a heavy boot -it so wrong and so right!

20 something

40 something

Budgeting/ Clothing Allowance

  Money is terrific and I love budgeting and saving more than anything else. I get pretty excited about the most mundane expenditures and love paying my bills. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and that I am in control of my financial future. Somewhat weird - I know.
I put money aside for family adventures, sports, education ,retirement, Christmas and birthdays. I like to set goals and work away on them, little by little. Where does fashion fit into this very practical way of living? It fits in everyday when I get dressed.

How much are most people spending?
  As part of my research for the blog, I have interviewed many readers and discussed how they plan their fashion expenditures. I was surprised to learn that most people don't set a budget, nor do they know exactly how much they have spent in a month.
  There was a time when I was the same. When the children were small, my only goal was to appear clean...that was it. I managed to shower regularly and do laundry. As time went on, I became aware that I had been in a baby-coma and a few things had happened - my children were really well dressed and fashion had changed. Where did skinny jeans, infinity scarves and leggings come from? I also noticed that my co-workers were born in the late eighties...
   So as an attempt to look current, I set a budget to bring me into the new decade. It was quite minimal at first and permitted haircuts and professional clothing only. It took quite awhile to build a wardrobe and I focused on blazers, pants and blouses. As time passed, I had a little more money to spend on myself and stretch out my purchases to include casual clothing.

Why set up a budget?
  It saves money. There is one caveat, sticking to it. If you want a more expensive item, wait until you have built up the funds. No buyer's remorse or paying for things months later.

Where to spend the funds?
  That depends on your interests. Try to do a cost per wear analysis and spend more money on the items that will see a lot of rotation. For me those are: boots, coats, purses and skin care. I spend less on trend items and accessories..

How much?
  It is important to be realistic. What can you afford and be comfortable spending? Try setting a budget and seeing if it makes a difference. Even a small budget of $25 maybe just enough to get a scarf and brighten up your day without breaking the bank. A thoughtful, larger budget may end up saving money and avoid impulse buys and keeping your money set aside for other things.

Try it and let me know what you think!

m

Sensitive Skin

Skin Journey - Day 1:

So by now you have all read about M's at home skin experiment..pretty exciting right? Well the excitement continues. Today marks the first day of my own personal journey to what every woman wants....the perfect skin. M and I have very different skin needs so our journeys will be completely individual.

I have extremely sensitive skin and I have to be so careful about what I use because I am prone to breakouts. I am pretty sure that I have tried every product out there to help with my sensitive skin and I shudder to think of the money I have spent! I have a great feeling about this new product that I am trying tonight...and I can't wait to share it with all of you! I cannot believe I am sharing a "makeup-less"picture with the internet world but I feel like this is for the greater good of all women! Here is my picture marking the first day on the road to the perfect skin.

Here we go :)

Thanksgiving dinner outfits

r - needs stretchy pants

Wrinkles

Happy Birthday to me!

m - It's my birthday! I love this day! I have been gifted with so many blessings and am so happy to celebrate another year passing and reflecting on the wonderful people in my life and opportunities that have been presented to me.
With that being said, physical ageing is on my mind. I have spent a lot of time laughing and some time stressed and it has been reflected in my face. So with this in mind, I began my search for a needle-free, affordable skincare regime that will guarantee results. So, today I received my regime in the mail and begin day 1 of my home based experiment. I have a few prerequisites:
1. It has to be something I can maintain. I will not be going through a seven step process- I just do not have the time or interest.
2. It must be affordable - I have bills to pay. My mortgage is more important than skincare.
3. It must have a sunscreen within the program - I am high risk for skin cancer.
4. It must be readily available - got that covered, it was delivered to my home.
5. Oh yeah - it has to work. I want my skin to have a smoother ,flawless, more radiant look. Judging from the photos, things are worse than I thought!

I did not think that I would ever post a make-up free picture on the Internet! So here I go, this me on my journey. Ugg...

Boots

r- Knee high boots? hmm...when this trend first came out, I was a little hesitant, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman anyone? Then I came across these pair at the Bay and fell in love. My sister looked at me like I was crazy but I wasn't willing to walk out of the store without them. I fell in love with the colour of this tunic and thought it was perfect for fall. My wonderful friend M, allowed me to borrow her brown tagua bead necklace and brown belt. Love it!
m- High boots - everybody's got'em and they are not going anywhere -another season and I could not be happier about that. These faux leather leggings are my favourite trend piece this fall. I pair them with everything and like the seamless look when tucked into a tall, riding boot. The scarf was not intended to be over my shoulder, but I had been out for a walk with my dog and am a little disheveled.

20 something

40 something

shop r & m's look (similar):