Category / Fashion

by ChocoLavender

My favorite (and surprisingly frugal) ootd’s for work

Dressing for work in a creative environment is challenging. I work at a hair and beauty store in Toronto’s financial district, so what I wear is pretty monumental to the job. When I first started, they told me to “dress like you’re going on a first date”, which really confused me. First, I haven’t been on a first date in ages since I’m in a committed relationship. Also, I’m the type of person who’d show up to a first date in a sack to see their reaction. After days of going in under-dressed or over-dressed, I finally found a good balance. These are my top three ootd’s, hopefully those of you in similar jobs can get some inspo!

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by ChocoLavender

A fashion student’s secrets to looking fabulous in the simplest outfits

There’s a saying at Ryerson about how you can always tell us fashion students apart from the general crowd. I guess you can call it the fashion vibe. You know when you see someone on the street and think “wow, they look good” even though they’re in jeans and a t-shirt? We’d get complimented on our everyday outfits and whenever we say, “thank you, I study fashion,” the response would be “I had a feeling you do!” So this week, I’m betraying my creed by giving away all of our secrets. Just kidding! But I will share with you my tips on how to look effortlessly put together.

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by ChocoLavender

Proof that My Fair Lady styles are relevant as ever

This week’s post is another tribute to the past since I am such a fashion history junkie.

If you have not seen the 1964 Film of My Fair Lady, featuring Audrey Hepburn, you’re seriously missing out. In the Edwardian London, Professor Higgins (a rich, but tactless phonetics expert), makes a bet that he can turn Eliza Doolittle (a young woman selling flowers with a strong Cockney accent) into a proper English speaking lady. The two get to work on Eliza being able to pass off as a duchess at the Embassy Ball. It’s witty, comedic, and it will tug your heartstrings. And not to mention the costumes! Oh god, the flamboyant, stunning, ornate costumes!! I can’t event begin to describe them! *ahem* Anyways, here are some modern day fashion trends that I find reminiscent of My Fair Lady. 

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by ChocoLavender

Looking slayin’ while working out

I’ve been so excited to share this post with you guys!!! (One exclamation mark isn’t enough haha) Keeping active has always been a big part of my life, and it took me a while to figure out how to look good while sweating buckets. With the rise of athleisure, it’s become possible for us fashion girls to kill our style while killing the weights.

*psst* If you’re a gal on a budget like me, Marshall’s and Winners are great places to shop since they have huge active-wear sections and carry a variety of brands.

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by ChocoLavender

Making cheap outfits look expensive

Coming from an immigrant family, I grew up very frugal. It wasn’t until middle school when my family started shopping for clothes in actual stores, and even then, we’d only go to cheaper places like Winner’s and Urban Planet (they were pretty ghetto back in the day). So that’s how I’ve become the type of person who thinks $20 for a top is steep. However, I learned that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to look put together. Here are some Holy Grail tips passed from one fashionista to another on how to look fabulous for cheap.

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by ChocoLavender

Styling challenge – one dress, five ways

Recently, I’ve done a styling challenge where I put together some outfits with clothes I haven’t worn often. Not only was it super fun, but it seems like you guys quite enjoyed it! Since I’m all about creativity with what you already own, here’s another styling challenge. This time I’ll be working with a little black dress (the timeless essential of Coco Chanel). For each look, I will be using only accessories and black shoes to change it up. Psst, I got my LBD for about $13 from Forever XXI about four years ago and it’s been one of my trust wardrobe savers.

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by ChocoLavender

To splurge or to save – what I invest in and what I cheap out on

We all have moments when we fall in love with a totally rad garment…until we see the price tag. Yes, I’m talking about those times when we question if $60 for this top is worth it. It’s about investment pieces nowadays. Meanwhile, our inner hoarders will try to convince us that everything is worth investing in. Over the years (and tons of trial and error), I’ve come to make peace with my inner clothing goblin. Here is my wardrobe spending guide- aka. when to splurge and when to save. 

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