My girlfriend Vivian called me one Friday morning telling me she was coming out to see me.  It was a gorgeous sunny day!  We started off with a latte at Good Day Sunshine Cafe.  What Vivian wore was totally inspiring.  Her bright pink blouse under her leather jacket worn with her jeans looked fabulous!  Her look was my exact idea for my next article of wearing brights with neutrals. While I was ordering my latte I ran in to Joanne from Just Jewellery across the street.  A quick conversation with her led to a spark of imagination. Taking advantage of the good weather, with camera in hand, I was off and running!  It spiralled quickly in to an impromptu photo shoot for my next Stimuli article.
 
Earlier in the week Benita at Mela Boutique showed me some of the new stock that arrived at her store. This dress by Jack ($80) is understated on the hanger.  This simple caramel colour sleeveless shirt dress has an amazing belt!  The bright blue and orange striped belt gives the dress a little kick! This is a great way to wear something bright without too much fuss.

Don’t let this bright tangerine orange dress by Kain ($180) scare you!  This super soft maxi dress will take you from cool spring weather to hot summer. The dark grey scarf and leather studded belt (both belong to Vivian) make it wearable now.  

These next two looks we styled with Joanne from Just Jewellery!  She just moved her store to their new High Street location.  First is Vivian wearing a sunny yellow top by Eight Sixty ($110) with her jeans.  Joanne dressed the neckline with this gorgeous vintage multi strand hand cut jet necklace ($495). On Vivian’s right arm are three stacked bracelets of various semi-precious stones by Just Jewellery ($55-195).  On her right arm is a leather studded cuff by Wild Card.This top would also look great underneath a black blazer paired with skinny black pants.

I love this bright verdant green top by Jack ($79).  The peek a boo sheer panel edged with lace is a little daring and demure at the same time!  By Just Jewellery are two turquoise and silver beaded necklaces ($225-295) and sterling silver and turquoise ring ($255). The large bronze and turquoise pendant ($175) and cuff ($425) of the same materials are by Victoria Stewart.  On her right hand a mixed metal ring by Giulietta Designs ($264). Again we paired the top with jeans but another great option for warmer weather is a long maxi skirt.  

If you are looking to brighten up your wardrobe I hope the above looks will give you some inspiration.  Thank you Joanne from Just Jewellery for adding the finishing touches. Thank you to Chris and Jessie for letting me shoot at Good Day Sunshine Cafe.  Last but not least thank you Benita for letting me raid Mela Boutique’s latest finds!  If you’re in the neighborhood be sure to stop in and check them all out at High Street.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

One of the most versatile pieces that you can have in your wardrobe is a scarf.  Aside from keeping you warm it can complete your look, add interest, colour, and texture.  I  am desperately hoping that Groundhog Day will tell us that spring is on it’s way!  Scarves are a fabulous transitional piece.  The best part is there are hundreds of ways to tie a scarf; I’ll show you some of my favourite ways and looks. I’ve also included links to two websites and a YouTube video at the end of my article that will inspire you!!

When it’s cold out my favourite way to bundle up is with a scarf wrapped cozily around my neck.  A light to medium weight knit is best.  When you wear it with a coat, wrap your scarf in a simple, unfussy cowl or knot.  This light weight wool burgundy polka dot print scarf ($85) adds colour and texture to the navy pea coat by BB Dakota ($134).

To amp up my casual look I’ll wear a scarf one of a few ways. I love this belted denim dress by Funktional ($180).  To give this dress some dimension and colour I draped a gorgeous coral and pale indigo scarf ($60) in to a long cowl.

With this simple raglan sleeve grey dress by James Perse ($165), I've criss-cross wrapped my long chevron print Missoni scarf as a belt.  The print and fringe of this scarf and the way it's wrapped, takes this dress to another level.

Have you ever thought of wearing your scarf as a loose cardigan?  Take a square scarf and tie the ends together, slip your arms through and voila! Instant glamour for your beautiful dress.  Here is my Mathew Wiliamson for H&M scarf as a beautiful wrap cardigan around this silk dress by LA Made ($150).  Crystal 14K plated necklace by Lisbeth ($89).

Another fun way to wear a scarf is as a top.  A large square piece is needed.  The top can be tied as a halter or as a strapless top.  Shown here is my Alexander McQueen silk skull scarf as a strapless top underneath a denim jacket by Funktional ($160) and pants by Oxmo.

My husband bought me this purple scarf with studs from Hermes for my birthday a few years ago.  I wear this scarf around my neck with or without the studs.  I've also worn it in my hair as a hair band or wrapped around my pony tail.  My favourite way to wear it is as a bracelet!
Image 6: purple scarf with three silver studs

I hope you are inspired to play with your scarves to create the perfect finishing touch for your outfit.  For more inspiration check out these video tutorials from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU">Liberty of London. Some of the worlds most beautiful scarves are produced by Hermes. 

Have you got a favourite way to wear your gorgeous scarf? I would love to hear about it!  Let me know by commenting below!

Thank you Benita for letting me shoot at your store last minute!  All the looks above can be found at Mela Boutique.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor



 

In my last article I wrote about finding your stylish uniform.  I know it can be a daunting task, so I will share mine with you.  Keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you.  There are three things that I require of my basic wardrobe: I need to be able to layer my pieces, feel comfortable in them, and it is effortless to put together.

I love layering; if I’m out chasing my one year old son I need to be able to peel back a layer or two and still be comfortable and put together.  This is how I layer:  tank/T-shirt, cashmere sweater, blazer/sweater coat, and scarf.  From the moment leaves fall from trees until the snow melts and all is bright and green, I layer.

My tanks and t shirts are mostly black, white, grey, or navy. I usually buy James Perse, Alexander Wang, Splendid or Vince.   These are my favourite brands because of the cut, quality and softness of their fabric.

My cashmere sweaters vary in style and weight.  Some brands that live in my closet are by Vince, Club Monaco, and Banana Republic.  With almost every brand producing cashmere sweaters, I always wait for a sale to buy mine. 

I have two blazers that I wear.  The first is a black wool blazer by Diane Von Furstenberg.  I wear this blazer both dressy and casual.  The second is a red brushed cotton military style blazer by Gucci.  These are two instances where I splurged, but for sooo many good reasons.  The cut, fit, style, and fabric were worth every penny.  If I’m not wearing a blazer I wear a sweater coat.  The two I own are by Vince.  One is long and charcoal grey with a hood, the other is a three quarter length sweater coat.  Both are cashmere and wool blend.

To top it all off, I always wear a scarf.   Can you guess what my fabric of choice is? Cashmere! I prefer a light weight cashmere scarf versus a chunky knit for two reasons: the first is I want to feel warm not sweatyand the second reason is that there are endless ways to tie a lighter weight scarf.  The right scarf can brighten your face, add interest, and polish your outfit.

I rarely wear a dress or skirt; I live in jeans and leggings.  My jeans have to have a bit of stretch!  My favourite brands are J Brand and Hudson.  I have everything from skinny or straight to wide or boot cut.  Pictured below are my J Brand dark denim boot cut jeans that are currently my favourite!  My favourite black legging/jegging are from Joes Jeans -  I own two pairs.

On my feet I often wear lace up leather boots that have scuff marks or my grey leather ankle boot by Luxury Rebel.  The perfect grey colour, they look great with jeans and leggings.  They are also extremely comfortable.

With all the pieces above I play mix and match for the right look.  I don’t have to THINK when I pull my outfits together which is a good thing because after getting four kids dressed, I barely have five minutes to dress myself!  Each piece is soft to touch and comfortable to wear.  These are the basics in my wardrobe.  Yes, basics. I have barely touched upon accessories!  That is for another time.

Dear Readers, I would love to know what your stylish uniform is.  What do you love to wear?  Do you have any questions?  Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magzine Contributor

Happy New Year Stimuli Readers!  Hope you had a fantastic holiday.  Have you made any style resolutions?  Now that it’s 2012 we are back to regular programming.  Back to work.  Back to school.  Ugh.  Why does that feel like the extra helping of turkey from a holiday dinner?  I need another week off just to recuperate!!  How about you?  

It may be a sluggish start to a new year, but that doesn’t give us license to look like a slob!  No hiding in oversize clothes to conceal whatever ails you.  For those of you who have hit the treadmills, good for you!  But that doesn’t give you the right to wear workout clothes wherever you go.  By workout clothes I also mean yoga wear.  You know who you are.  

If there is one style resolution that you should make for 2012 it is to have a stylish uniform.  Uniform?  Yes, uniform.  I have one.  I have four children that I run after.  Three of them are in school, dance, and hockey.  One of them is a crazy busy toddler.  I depend on a wardrobe that I feel great in no matter what I am doing.  I want/need pieces that are easy to pull together.  It’s okay to wear comfortable stretchy pants and over sized sweatshirt every once in awhile.  I get it.  But don’t drown your style potential.  

Stop yelling!  I hear, “It doesn’t matter what I wear”,  “ I don’t care about style”, “Nothing ever fits right!”, “I can never find clothes in my budget”.  Excuses, excuses!  Why all the excuses?  Are you not worth the effort?  Are you not allowed to feel good because you look good?  Let me tell you that you are worth the effort.  It may seem overwhelming at first, but let's take it one step at a time.
 
It does matter what you wear.  It matters for so many reasons.  When you look good you feel better about yourself. When you feel good you will radiate confidence and project it on to the people that surround you.  Like your children.  Especially if you are a mom to girl(s).  I have two young, very impressionable daughters and two young sons.  High school is looming ahead of them and puberty is a beast.   If you hide underneath your clothes your children will do the same.  How will they know how to dress otherwise?  What about your work environment?  Did you miss a potential job opportunity?   Like pitching a big project, acquiring new clients, or a job promotion. Dressing for success can help you achieve your work goals.

I love when I hear people say they don’t care about style.  Oh really?  What you put on for the day states your style.  You decided to buy that shirt, this sweater, those pants.  Style does not have to mean the latest trend off the runway.  Style does not have to mean what Lady Gaga is wearing.  Style is what you like, what you love.  Style is not out there to change who you are.  Finding your style will only enhance who you are.

It’s too tight.  Makes my butt look big.  My cleavage is spilling out!  Yes, you are right.  It does not fit.  If it does not fit in any size don’t try to make it work.  It probably means that the cut is not right for you.  I know you love the skinny jeans and that shrunken blazer look.  Instead, try a pair of straight leg jeans and a sweater blazer. You need to analyze your body.  Take your time and be honest.  When you do, you will find that understanding what fits you best will make shopping and finding your style a whole lot easier.

You don’t have a lot of money to spend, you're on a budget, especially after the holidays.  I understand.  Write a list of the top five things that will give your wardrobe a jump start.  Consider how often you will wear each item.  Know what quality is.  Have you felt the difference between a $300, $150, and $60 cashmere sweater?  Look at the label. Does it say 100%, 70%, or 5% cashmere?  Sometimes splurging on an item can take you further.  That said, sometimes waiting for a sale can be quite a thrill!  After the holidays there are sales everywhere.  You can find that cashmere sweater to fit your budget.  But be wary of those bargain basement prices by checking the quality, fit, and style.  Sometimes that bargain may be too good to be true!

Dear Readers, if you make one style resolution this year I hope you choose to find your stylish uniform.  Finding your style does not have to be overwhelming.  When you walk in to a store look for a sales associate that is dressed like how you would like to dress.  Don’t be afraid to tell them your fit issues.  Sales associates are trained to know what is on the sales floor that will best suit you.  If you see the girl with the bright pink hair, chewing bubble gum, wearing ripped tights under short shorts and a tube top staring at you like you have two heads, you may want to walk away.  Far away.  I know it can be frustrating at times.  Take a break.  Breathe.  Now try again.  Because you are worth the effort.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

It’s the final days before Christmas and for once, I am not out there battling the crowds!  Yahoo!!  I think this is the first year I managed to shop for everyone with time to spare.  So what am I doing with that spare time?  I am thinking about what to lounge around in on Christmas Day.  I don’t want to be in pyjamas all day.  I want something cozy, chic, and comfortable.  That means layers of cashmere, soft cotton blends and plush knits combined with a little holiday sparkle.  

I found this long sleeve raglan t-shirt by Groceries Apparel on sale at Holt Renfrew. Groceries Apparel uses a combination of certified organic cotton, non-toxic hemp, soy, and even recycled plastic.  The best feature, aside from how amazingly soft it is, is the curved hem detail.  It makes an ordinary long sleeve raglan t shirt special.

I was in Seattle last weekend to do some Christmas shopping and  I was cruising through Anthropologie when my fingers grazed this sweater by Lilka.  It was love at first touch. I could literally live in it.  I love the pockets.  It always feels cozier when there are pockets! Don’t you think so?

At Banana Republic Factory I bought these drawstring leggings. The super soft charcoal grey legging will look perfect with my top by Groceries Apparel and layered with my sweater from Anthropologie.  Can you feel it? I’ll be curled up on my couch with my mug of cider watching my kids tear into their gifts all while lounging comfortably in softness.

I am always cold.  My favourite thing to wear indoors to keep me warm is a lightweight cashmere scarf.  How about this navy one from Club Monaco?  I bought mine last year.  This year I am coveting the same scarf but in blush pink. Seriously soft, cozy, and warm.  But not sweaty. Sweaty is not chic!  

Now just like the sparkly star on top of your tree, I love to add a little holiday sparkle.  I’ll be wearing this deep blue chiffon and crystal bracelet by Chan Luu. Just for fun my fingertips will sparkle with confetti.  This topcoat from Sephora by OPI is so easy to apply even if you’ve had two egg nogs too many.  I always wear gloss. This shimmery (not 80’s frosty) gloss #46 Golden Gloss by YSL is perfect!  

I can hardly wait for our stockings to be filled, for my kids' feverish excitement and the eventual mellow good cheer that fills my house.  The year has flown by so fast! I hope 2011 was an amazing style year for you.  Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday and all the best for a fabulous, chic, and stylish 2012!

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor