SS2017 – modacarta

DIY Accessory

August 7, 2017Posted in TrendsTagged Accessories, DIY, fashion, fashionDIY, guitar strap, handbag, moda, SS2017, style, styleDIY, Summer FashionLeave a comment

I’m not a huge DIY-er but occasionally I come across a project I want to take on like making my own decorative handbag strap.

I first discovered how cool a decorative strap looks last year when Fendi introduced their line. Elaborate and colourful I was intrigued but completely turned off by the price ($1500+). A month ago I saw that Rebecca Minkoff also had a line of “guitar straps” available. The price point was more bearable at around $150 but there had a to be a more affordable way to get the look and YouTube was the answer.

There were several videos showing what was needed and how to do it. I definitely can’t claim credit for inventing DIY.

WHAT YOU NEED

Handbag that you can attach a strap to.
O rings that open and close with a hinge.
Guitar Strap

You can find the O rings at any craft store or bead shop. I got my guitar strap at Steve’s Music on Queen West. You can also find plenty of them (really nice ones) online.

All you do is thread the O ring through the handbag and then the guitar strap at each end. Make sure the strap is not twisted because the O ring does not swivel to untwist like other handbag straps.

Viola – you have a handbag with a really unique strap. If you chose the colour/pattern of your guitar strap with your handbags in mind you can use it with several different bags.

The Mix

August 2, 2017August 21, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer FashionLeave a comment

To wrap up the 25 Days 25 Pairs series I’ve selected an eclectic mix of footwear to blog about. I went analog for the photography by using old album covers for visual interest but let’s get to the shoes.

Turquoise Sandals

My followers know that I love turquoise. My wardrobe and accessories are full of this fun, bright colour so it’s not surprising that I also have these Spring Step sandals. I discovered this brand on the now defunct Shoeme online shopping site but you can find it at DSW, Zappos and other retailers. I like the monochrome look of these jeans and sandals together. Turquoise is so summery.

Good Pair of Heels

Every woman needs a good, classic pair of heels. Mine are Prada peep toes and the heel is the perfect height to cruise around the office all day. They were an investment that pays off every time I have an important meeting or a client event.

The 80s are Calling

These tri-colour patent shoes add colour to any outfit especially this embroidered sheer top from Topshop. The colours compliment each other perfectly and they add visual interest at the bottom of skinny black trousers.

Rockstuds

Are they or aren’t they? They are not but it’s a compliment to be copied right? These BCBG kitten heels are very reminiscent of Valentino Rockstuds. That’s why I bought them. They are my over the top shoes and surprisingly quite comfortable. I like to wear them with black skinny trousers or dark wash skinny jeans. They will draw all the attention so just a t-shirt and jeans will do with these beauties.

The Sneaker of Rock n Roll

Converse are my fave sneaker – especially in this great tropical print. I like a boho look with them with this Indian skirt and sarong tied scarf. It’s perfect for looking through the stacks at Sonic Boom.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through footwear. Please let me know what you think. I love to hear from you!

Rock ‘n Roll style

July 27, 2017July 27, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, rock n roll, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer FashionLeave a comment

I like to have fun with my style. I’m probably too old for ripped jeans but it’s fun to wear them once in a while. I like going from a really sharp put together look to something more distressed.

These jeans are American Eagle and I order them online instead of fighting for a fitting room with all the teens at the mall. They fit great and the short length is perfect for my height. The boots are Coach and I thought they would be comfortable because of the block heel but they are not. Short walks with lots of sitting works perfect for these boots. I do love the laser cut detailing in the back, the grey/blue colour and the long tassel on the zipper. It makes a great tapping sounds when I walk.

Thanks to my amazing photographer for trusting me with his guitar.

Desert Boots for Day 18

July 26, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer Fashion, TomsLeave a comment

I shot all the close-up boot images for this week in gardens or among flowers because I like the juxtaposition of summer flowers and boots. These Toms desert boots I purchased last fall but I wore them all Spring and now into Summer. Basically they are an all-year boot.

I like the long line of these beige jeans and the boots. For colour and visual interest I added this kimono top from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale haul. The moment I put this top on it was on the YES pile. It goes with so much – grey, navy, beige, burgandy, camel. It is now my go-to piece for the rest of the summer.

Day 17 – Laser Cut

July 25, 2017July 25, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer FashionLeave a comment

I’ve had these black laser cut boots for a couple of seasons. I bought them at Browns and they still carry them. At this time of year they are probably on SALE!

I feature them quite a bit on the blog because they are so versatile. Because they are black I wear them right into fall. I wanted to shoot this suit during 25 Days 25 Looks but I couldn’t fit it into the series. Wide leg trousers are back this fall and I like the way these drape. The length is perfect with heels and the jacket has little ruffles on the shoulder seams making it more feminine.

BATA Shoe Museum

This unique and unusual museum is located in downtown Toronto and is a must visit on any shoe lovers list. Take a walk through history via footwear. The current windows are all about Canada. I love how they created the visuals using different coloured shoes like this white and yellow flower. One of my favorite pairs of shoes in the museum’s collection is the Chopins. These elevated shoes were worn by Venetian ladies in the 16th and 17th centuries to protect them against the Aqua Alta or rising waters of the lagoon in the fall and spring. Check it out next time you’re in the city.

Day 16 – Summer Boots

July 24, 2017July 24, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, boots, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer FashionLeave a comment

I love the idea of boots in summer. Obviously I won’t wear UGGs or heavy looking boots but laser cut boots or booties I like to wear all year.

First up, these suede booties with fringe from Top Shop. I originally wanted them in tan but when I went to the store they only had black and I have no regrets. I wear them all year including summer. In hot weather I like to wear them with dresses or cropped leggings. During 25 Days 25 Looks I wore them quite a few times because it was such a cool spring.

I styled these booties with black cropped leggings and this fabulous tomato red sweater from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It’s a super stretchy cotton blend with scalloped detailing. I love the punchy colour of this sweater; how it warms my skin tone and compliments my hair.

Day 15 – Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 22, 2017July 22, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, nordstrom, sales, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer Fashion2 Comments

Yes I got stuff!

I enjoyed a lovely morning shopping from a personally curated rack at Nordstrom Toronto. If you have never tried a personal shopping experience I highly recommend it. I met Alisa in May at Nordstrom Eaton Centre and she was such a fantastic associate I had to write a letter to the store manager. She encouraged me to sign up for exclusive offers, previews (it’s free) and when the anniversary sale was coming up I was invited to shop with Alisa.

I had a large dressing room and a rack full of clothes. I spend about an hour trying stuff on and narrowed my choices down to 4 fabulous pieces and shoes. Alisa was excellent at picking out pieces that I would like but also getting me to try different styles. I think she got to know my style really well and I look forward to our next fashionable meeting.

I thought the concept of this sale is very clever. Nordstrom brings in new pieces -some brands only for the sale like Belstaff and discounts them for a week. Then they go back up to full price. Well played marketing move for sure! Worked on me and I work in advertising 🙂

Pieces from the sale will be featured in upcoming blog posts so stay tuned!

Day 14

July 20, 2017July 20, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer Fashion1 Comment

These teal flats with large dots I purchased at a Soho shoe store that specialized in emerging shoe designers. I happened upon it by accident because I took the wrong subway from downtown and had to walk into Soho from West Broadway. It was also featured on a makeover show and the contributor purchased the high heel version of these shoes in hot pink.

I love how these shoes pop the teal of this dress. Even in these sitting poses the details of this dress stand out.

Pink for Day 13

July 19, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer FashionLeave a comment

I know I should be focusing on these Cole Hahn pink ballet flats because this is 25 Days 25 Pairs but I can’t help talking about this pink romper from Zara. I picked it up at their summer sale and I love it!!!
It flows and drapes nicely on the body. It’s not too short and I love the open back. The colour is the perfect pink. I wanted to show some movement in this shot so I jumped some river rocks and I love how it turned out.

We took these shots at James Gardens. It’s a wonderful park with lots of walking and biking trails and there are some sections where you can close to the river. It provides many places to shot great images. Here are some alts from the shoot.

Day 12 – mono

July 18, 2017Posted in 25 Days 25 pairsTagged 25 Days, 25 Days 25 pairs, ballet flats, fashion, moda, Scarpe, shoe girl, shoe lover, shoes, SS2017, style, Summer Fashion, tods1 Comment

During 25days25Looks I talked about a monochrome look and how slimming it is. Here I’ve styled a navy blue look.

Monochrome can be stark so I added a large multi-coloured necklace to break it up. The clothes are simple everyday pieces – tee from Loft and Rockstar jeans from Old Navy. The ballet flats are Tods. These are my favourite Italian shoes. High quality and high style make Tods a sought after brand. I purchased this pair as well as a burgundy patent leather pair when I was in Italy last year. This tri-colour pair with suede and leather add a unique element to dark wash jeans. The textured sole will really protect the suede and leather from wear.

Work Requisite

I blogged about the office pouch being a huge trend at my workplace – still is. I’ve seen new hires copy their chic bosses by using one. I recently found this cute, cheeky one at Indigo. I love monogram or zodiac symbols – something that represents me. My sign is Gemini and I loved this bright coral colour and #SorryNotSorry. It’s good twin vs bad twin like all of us Geminis!