Target Tuesday | Year in Review

Hello My Little Targettes!


It's..... T A R G E T | T U E S D A Y S  

Can you believe it's the last Tuesday of the Year already?! 2014 snuck up on me faster than I could have ever imagined... But the great best part about entering the New Year is reviewing the past-starting with all of the my Target Tuesday looks throughout the year. I'll be tweeting my favourite looks on Twitter under PhysicalCanvas throughout the day in addition to my favs below! 

 1. Electric Neon
Talk about transformations! This throwback is one of my favs because of the simplicity of my hair cut and the neon dress paired with sneakers. Even almost a year later this look is super trendy.

2. Phillip Lim for Target
Definitely one of my ultimately highlights is Target's collaboration with Phillip Lim! I scored so many great purchase and had the experience of a lifetime after the internet fiasco turned great PR that allowed me and other bloggers to help loyal Target customers score their most coveted items! Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 are equally my favs!

 3. Crush on Blush
Most recently, my Crush on Blush look made the list of my top Target Tuesday favs because of the versatility of the suite separates. These polished pieces can easily transition from the desk to the dinner table for an evening out. 
 

What's your favourite Target piece that you've purchased? 

Tweet me your favs {^_^} 

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Merry Christmas from Maddie & Me

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!!

Who doesn't love the holidays with family and friends?! I hope you are enjoying this special time of year with your loved ones as much as I am.

Here are a few pictures that Lucas took of Madison and I...we've already coined our part of the world as 'Country Cool' as an answer to Street Chic! Anyhoo enjoy!

Take care, stay warm and enjoy the day from me, Madison and Lucas (behind the camera as always)!

Charlotte Rousse velvet blazer//Macy's leggings//Vintage cape//

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Five Fab Frames | 2013 Winter Collection | by Warby Parker

 

More than 38 million Americans wear glasses or have had corrective lenses prescribed to them (which accounts for hmm… 64% of the population, while 12% of the country wears contact lenses). And you should care because….??? Well, I’m glad you asked because the odds that you wear glasses or know of someone who does is highly likely- which means, this one’s for you (and the plot thickens).

For as long as I can remember, I was always that kid that told the optometrist that I could barely read the exam chart, (which to my credit was probably very true) so I was always able to score the coolest frames from the over-sized red Sally Jessy Raphael glasses to the more fashionably non-prescription flip-up Dwayne Wayne glasses.  So it’s no surprise that my love for glasses has grown fonder over the years into my adult hood (enter Warby Parker).

You may remember my Warby Parker review back in 2012 which I received great feedback from my readers! So naturally, the  ‘rustic meets modern’ 2013 Winter Collection prompted another review to pair your cold weather-hues with your favorite  winter past time activity. The collection features six new shapes in five colours, including two-tone acetates all for $95-including prescription lenses! Curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to partake in the ‘Home Try-On’ program for an up and close personal look of five of my favourite frames for the perfect fit (note: I only tried on five frames-two being very similar in shape in varying colours but the full collection can be seen here). I'm already feeling like a Warby Parker model...here goes!

Welty | Plum Marblewood

The curved browline and slim acetate construction of Welty’s keyhole bridge frames gives a first-class combination even this casual wintery puffy vest.

 Lyle| English Oak

 For a day and evening look, the English Oak is a classic round frame which creates a great contrast with your favorite winter turtleneck.

Chamberlain| Saddle Sage & Whiskey Tortoise

Available in two different colours, these assertive yet bold frames have a strikingly square shape with a sturdy bridge that is versatile enough to accentuate a low-key office look by day and a hipster look by night.

 Edgeworth| Sage

The epitome of classic, these 1940s-inspired keyhole frames feature slender temple arms, crafted from Japanese titanium for retro lovers looking for a good vintage piece to incorporate into their wardrobe.

Overall, my favourite feature of all the frames is that although Warby Parker offers frames for men and women, their frames are adaptable enough for either gender. Whether you’re looking for a gift for yourself, or for one that truly keeps on giving, consider purchasing a pair (or pairs!) from the Warby Parker Winter Collection.

Which fab frames are your favorites? 

Disclaimer- This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Warby Parker. All opinions expressed are mine and one hundred percent honest.

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Next to New: Black and White

Welcome to the Next to New style series, a collaboration between Physical Canvas and owner Julia Clara of Clothing Mentor to showcase fab finds from the resale store. Every month, I will highlight emerging trends and tips to create a cohesive look for your style pallet. 

One thing you should know is that spotting sophisticated second-hand clothing has always been an intrinsic passion of mine. I love the challenge of walking into a resale store to find something that is unique and timeless across all eras. So what better way to celebrate the first Next to New blog post but with a black and white outfit from head-to-toe. Can we say classic?

This look incorporates three major trends for fall: oversize coats, layering, and cozy sweaters all wrapped into one. You’ve probably seen oversize coats draped over the shoulders of celebrities and taste makers on blogs and magazines sites. It’s the art of the cape at its finest- a fashionable floor length jacket layered on top of a fantastic skirts and sweaters adds flair and sophistication! The cozy cowl neckline of this Divide sweater adds bulk and warmth in all the right places for a comfortable yet stylish look 'on the go' paired with a metallic Express skirt.

Accessorized with an Ivanka Trump handbag and vintage snake-charmer cuff, this classic black and white look would never be detected as anyone’s sloppy seconds.

Ivanka Trump handbag $35// Express skirt $12// Kasper jacket $16// Snake Charmer cuff $5
Sunglasses $7// Torta Caliente Patent boots $11// Divide Sweater $8

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Collaboration: Clothing Mentor

At this point, it shouldn’t come to you as a surprise that I loveeeeee a perfectly outfitted look from head to toe for a fashionably good steal. I literally have a love affair with wardrobe pieces that offer quality, value and longevity since I typically retain my clothing over decades at a time (yes I said decades! Tips on maintaining your clothing are coming soon!). 

With that said, when it comes to shopping, the options are endless when looking for treasured pieces in unexpected places whether it’s at a market in a major city, or at a local consignment shop in your neighborhood. Spotting sophisticated pieces in hidden pockets of the retail world is pretty much my forte. If Plato’s closet is the bubble gum popping, teeny-bopper kid sister, then Clothing Mentor is the sophisticated sibling, equipped with refined taste to take her stylish social life and career to the next level.  Both shops accept and sell gently used and mint condition designer labels and better brands- sometimes even with the original tags!  It seems as though it was merely yesterday that two of my social butterflies, Tomicka and Kim, introduced me to the store almost two years ago. And ever since, I've been hooked. And so the plot thickens.

A few weeks ago, store owner of Clothing Mentor, Julia Clara, connected with me after one of her customers mentioned my blog (kudos to the customer who thought of me! Make yourself known so I can shower you with thank you’s!). During our initial meeting, Clara explained: “My customer loves great trends, so we accept funky pieces that make a statement” as she showcased her designer items and unique pieces. Mulling over the details after our conversation I thought, ‘how cool would it be to feature looks from her store?’ Thus the partnership emerged.

Physical Canvas, is teaming up with owner Julia Clara, to showcase fab finds from Clothing Mentor by pulling together pieces to create a cohesive look and give tips on the best ways to pair items together. Every month, I will highlight emerging trends to acquaint your style pallet and give tips as to what to look for while shopping at the Greece, NY resale store.

So let the fun begin with the recently created style series...

Next to New!

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Target Tuesdays: Crush on Blush

Hello My Little Targettes!


It's..... T A R G E T | T U E S D A Y S  

Pinks and berries are all the rage this fall season even while temperatures continue to plunge lower than today's silky neckline. Typically reserved for summer, warmer colours have been making a chilling statement with this ultra feminine shade. 

So it's no surprise that Target has a case of Crush on Blush fever lately with it's amazing pieces. I combined these feminine separates for a tailored suit look which could easily transition from the desk to dinner at any point of the day.

 

Dipped in rose-gold, the zipper hardware accents this satin blush blouse perfectly while the tweed blazer provides structure for the right amount of edginess for the workplace. The below the hip blazer is also fully lined and is quite warm in the breezier months when you're on the fence about wearing an outer coat to an event (I have a bad habit of always leaving my coat in the car!).

The black and gray pattern motif gives this skirt a floral illusion framed with a pink ribbon detail. I love the contrast against the black tights! The subtle shading of the greys and black intensify the prominent blush trend throughout the look {^_^}.

Blazer $39.99

Blouse $24.99

Skirt $22.99

Shoes: Aldo 

Who's got Crush on Blush Fever?!

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Off and On Again

The last two months have definitely been a case the 'off and on again' blogger behavior.
It's hard to believe that I fell off the face of the planet for just a blink of an eye, but if you follow me on Instagram you'll know that my vitals are still working because I somehow manage to keep uploading photos...which means I am very much alive and doing well {^_^}.

A few weeks ago, I styled a Lord & Taylor fashion show which proved to be quite fun! Lots of tucking and stuffing while getting models dressed, prepped and ready to go for the runway. I could seriously still do it with my eyes closed...ok I take that back, maybe not because that is a stretch of the truth{^_^}.

pre-show selfie

 

fitted and ready to go

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Weekend Wrap Up: Fashion Week for a Cause

Fashion Week. The two words instantly puts my mind into a dream-like state as I mentally imagine myself in cities like London, Milan and Paris while reminiscing about my days working backstage as a dresser, design assistant and fit model for a few Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York City. Contrary to the widely known Fashion Weeks which draw celebrities, bloggers and photographers, over the last few years cities across the U.S. have adopted the event into their local communities to spotlight emerging talent. 

Emceed by drummer Tommy Lee, I attended the Fashion Week of Rochester event over the weekend which was created to benefit The Center for Youth organization. The event raised awareness and monies for teens seeking shelter, education and counseling from a staff of individuals that are dedicated to offering services to at risk youth. Executive Director and Councilmember, Elaine Spaull, kindly extended an invitation to attend the upscale VIP reception which kicked off Saturday evening's fashion show at the Temple Building. 

The penthouse reception featured a diverse range of student jewelry designers from Rochester Institute of Technology's School of American Crafts including Miss Ghana finalist, Senam Akorli, and professional model Sarah Fairbank. Models, inspired by Mad Men hair do's and make-up, showcased jewelry made of metals, feathers and repurposed items as designers stood by to address attendee questions about their lines and inspirations. Amidst the cocktails and conversations, invitees had an opportunity to connect with potential buyers, press and supporters. Overall, fashion continues to unite fashion lovers for a greater cause while leaving a positive and economic impact on the Rochester area.  

Victoria and I attended the evening in style with an appreciation for the arts and youth

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Weekend Wrap Up: Anti-Fashion Week

Anti-Fashion Week. The words barely rolled off my tongue and you're already giving me the raised eye-brow as if I just echoed a dirty word on a fashion blog, dedicated to personal style-it's ok, say it with me now, Anti....Fashion....Week. Feel better? To your surprise, the term actually is coined by designers to convey their unconventional creations which typically flow against the grain of mainstream fashion trends. 

Rewind, Flashback to Friday.

Over the weekend, I attended the Anti-Fashion Week Trunk Show presented by Subculture Magazine which featured a dozen local vendors showcasing and selling their handmade jewelry, clothing, t-shirts and handbags. As the antithesis to Fashion Week of Rochester, the event featured live demos with make-up artist Tiffany Loveless and gave emerging artists a platform to connect with the community at a pretty reasonable cost- FREE.

Troy Smith greeted fashion patrons at the Brainery as people gathered in support of local artists as some found new favourites while others were reacquainted with former lines. The space lent itself to intimate interactions with both designers and customers similarly to a meet and greet event on a more intimate level. Vendors answered questions about their line, the process of production and leisurely spoke with each other about the week's events. More than anything, the irony of it all made me feel like I was back in the Village in NYC where the trends really begin. 

Future predictions: let's keep our fingers crossed for an Anti-Fashion and Fashion Week of Rochester collaboration, shall we?

Ilana Zatkowsky speaks to customers about her letter press stationery and her sister, Danielle Zatkowsky's jewelry collection

Katie showcases her lovely earrings and chats it up with the designers

Make-up artist Tiffany Loveless gives tips and demos for a flawless look for a night out

 

The Smiths kick it with supporters and converse with local community members

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