Navy Palms + Mixed Metals

Jacket: Clements Ribeiro / Blouse: Joe Fresh (On Sale) / Jeans: J Brand / Shoes: Aldo / Watch: Michael Kors (Similar) / Necklace: Stella and Dot / Bracelets: Michael Kors, Stella and Dot, Joe Fresh / Rings: Sif Jakobs (Similar), Trinity Jewellers - Custom designed / Handbag: 3.1 Phillip Lim - Mini Pashli

Photo Credit: Monica Phung

I am in love with this palm printed linen jacket by Clements Ribeiro! It is bold, fresh, and the perfect printed jacket for the summer. I spotted it whist I was browsing in Winners (as I often do) and as soon as I picked it up, I started to get flashes of possible pairings and outfits in my head... obviously that meant I had to buy it! The navy palm print pops against the white background and the crystal embroidery on the neckline adds just the right amount of sparkle to your outfit. I like to wear this jacket open so my tops can have a little peek-a-boo attention too, but when I do use the invisible press closures, it cinches in at the right places! This jacket has quickly made it onto my "repeat offenders" list and I can assure you it won't be the last time you see it included in one of my OOTD's. 

For those of you who know me, you are well aware of my love for accessories. I can still recall a time when I used to make sure I matched my hardware so that it was just gold or just silver... my, how I have evolved! I have been loving that mixed metals have made a massive comeback over the few years because it has opened the doors to a ton of new combinations from my jewellery box. Here I am wearing the original Sutton Necklace from Stella and Dot that embodies pretty much everything I am loving for accessories right now; mixed metals and a hint of sparkle. It has definitely been my go-to necklace because it is so versatile, you can literally wear it five different ways so it goes with almost every outfit.

Thanks for reading and be sure to comment on this post and tell me what your favourite summer piece is so far :) How are you rocking that item? 

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog and follow me on Instagram at hali_chic!

xo 

Thanh

Review: 3.1 Phillip Lim - Mini Pashli

If you follow me on Instagram (hali_chic), then you have already met "Phillip"... this year's birthday gift to myself! I know most of you are probably wondering why I gift myself a birthday gift in the first place. To tell you the truth, I've been doing it since I was 12 years old when I began making money from babysitting. It was a celebration of my independance and I was so proud that I could purchase that one thing that I have been wanting all year long. Mind you, not all of them are designer handbags but each item still holds the same sentiment for me. Another thing that I love is the process of deciding what I want and spending the year sourcing it out so I can make sure I will be getting exactly what my little shopaholic wants....

Introducing my current musing, "Phillip"

                                 

Basic Stats:

• Height: 6.5 inches
• Width: 8.5 inches
• Depth: 3 inches
• Drop Handles: 2.5 inch drop
• Adjustable strap: 23.5 - 27 inches
• Colour: Sage
• Hardware: Silver
• Dust bag included

This bag features the two signature vertical side zips that unzip to expose a pelican flap on each side which can allow for more interior room. The standard Mini Pashli is made of a gorgeous pebbled leather that comes in a variety of colours that vary with each introduction of a new season. However, if your tastebuds crave one that is more exotic, keep in mind that they do make limited edition bags that have multi-colored panels or with more exotic material (i.e. snakeskin) and with a higher price tag to match!

What I love about this bag... 

• I love love love the colour of this bag! But I'm not going to lie, I was very anxious that the colour would be darker than what I was expecting, but when I unboxed it I was so happy that it was the exact hue of green that I had envisioned... that stubble pastel-like green. I also find that the colour changes in different lighting and against different pairings so in a way its like having a brand new bag every once in a while!
• The adjustable strap that is included gives you the option to turn this mini top handle into a hands-free cross body that has been my go-to bag this summer so far.
• I love the feature of the mini strap on the top handles that give you the option of clasping them together so they aren't flipping in every which way.
• The pebbled leather is gorgeous and I love how durable is! I have been caught in the rain with it and was not phased one bit. A quick gentle wipe with a cloth was all I needed to dry it and no one is the wiser.
• Don't let the measurements fool you, this bag maybe tiny in size but it can fit a surprising amount. Here is what I typically tote around in "Phillip" on a day-to-day basis: travel sized pack of kleenex, small make-up bag (with mostly lip products), small wallet/wristlet, cell phone, glasses (in a case), and keys   

What I don't love so much about this bag...

• The dreaded Colour Transfer! I knew this would be something I would have to think about when I purchased this bag so I make the conscious effort to not let it sit on my hip when I'm wearing dark denim. When I'm wearing denim I make sure to use it as a top handle handbag instead of a cross body bag so colour transfer is not an issue. Remember, always check your handbags throughout the day and usually a damp cloth and a gentle rub will lighten any minor colour transfers. 
• The length of the adjustable strap is ridiculously long! I currently have the bag strap adjusted so that it sits comfortably at my hip as a cross body bag and I tuck the excess end back up into the loop holes so it is not hanging around and getting in the way. Being only 5'1, if I ever wanted to adjust it to a shoulder bag length, that tucking method proves to be a bit more difficult to disguise. If you are truly annoyed with the excess straps and know that you will not be reselling your bag, you can always source out a leather shop to trim and bind it for you.
• The press lock closure and fold-over flap was something that I was annoyed with at first when I had to get in and out of my bag, but once I got used to using the press closure it quickly became a non issue. I tend to keep the pelican flaps open and use them as easy access points into my bag for my phone or wallet. If you are the type of person that needs easy access inside your bag all day long, a fold-over flap may not be for you. 

Where to purchase your own "Phillip"
I am in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada so my only options for getting this bag was online. By the time my birthday rolled around (end of April) the colour Sage was hard to come by and most of my go to sites (Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter) were sold out of it. Luckily Forward by Elyse Walker was my saviour and I was able to get "Phillip" just in time for my birthday! There is one thing to mention about ordering from the Elyse Walker site and shipping to Canada; their prices are in USD and do not include duties or taxes so don't be surprised if the post office asks you for a sum before handing over your goodies. You can go to the Canadian Border Services site and enter in value of your item in Canadian dollars and it will estimate your potential duties and taxes for you, that way you will have an idea of how much to budget for.

Styling your Mini Pashli
Follow me on instagram at hali_chic to see how I pair my "Phillip" and tag me so I can see how you style yours too!

Thanks For reading and I apologize for the lack of new posts in the last little while. Some of you may already know but I am in the final months of preparation for my wedding in August so my days off from work have been filled with ticking things of on the wedding-to-do list. However, I have a few exciting projects coming up this summer so be sure to stay tuned!

xo

Thanh

Spring Must Haves: The Shoes

I can't have a "Spring Must Haves" series without listing off the shoes that I'm currently loving for this season!

The Slip On Sneaker 

Nothing says "easy breezy" like a pair of sneakers that don't require the added effort of lacing up. These are great for travelling because they are ubber comfortable and can be quickly taken off at security... I mean seriously, who wants to be that girl that holds up the line because she has to fiddle around with her shoes? These can be styled with cut-off jean shorts, boyfriend jeans, black skinnies, leather skinnies, rompers, etc... essentially everything you currently have for spring and summer already. The best part is that this year the patterns and texture combinations are limitless and to tell you the truth, its going to be hard to narrow it down to just a few pairs. No matter what your budget is for a new chic pair of sneakers, I hope you like some of my picks below! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have been loving my "Alegra" Coach slip on sneakers and I may or not be adding to Slip on Sneaker family soon :-) ... Any guesses as to which lovely pair it will be?

Designer

1. Saint Laurant Animal Print Skater Shoe      2. Miu Miu Metal Cap Toe Skater Shoe

Under $200.00 CAD

1. Steve Madden "Ecentric" in Leopard   2. Coach "Alegra" in Parchment   

3. Kenneth Cole "King" in Snakeskin

Under $100.00 CAD

1. Zara Printed Leather Slip-On     2. DV by Dolce Vita "Gordie"

The Sling-back Mule Sandal

The slip on mule was a hot trend for Fall 2013 and the trend continues with a Spring and Summer mule that has an adorable peep toe and sling-back addition that adds functionality and fashion to a classic design. I can see myself styling these with a slim fitting white denim, a bold printed top, and of course an adorable handbag. I am leaning more towards the lighter neutrals versus black mainly because they will be easier to pair with my spring and summer pieces. As you will notice from my picks below I am loving the stacked heel versus a thinner more dainty heel because I plan on being out and about more so comfort is key!

Designer

1. Loeffler Randall "Alix Bootie" in Beach Leather   2. Rag & Bone "Wyatt" in Camel

Under $200.00 CAD

1. Steve Madden "NONSTP" in Natural Leather   2. Aldo "Jaggard" in Cognac

I am going to insert a minor pet peeve... Regarding the "Jaggard" Sandal, for some odd reason Aldo does not offer a size smaller than a 6 online from the Canadian website, but if you go to the USA website they list a size 5. I feel like that is highly unfair. End Rant.

To even out the rant... I just wanted to say  a big Thanks for all of the positive feedback on the blog! Since the blog went live, several of you have reach out to me to help you find a certain item that you had a hard time (or no time) finding and of course my shopaholic heart fluttered at the chance! So happy to have been able to help you out and I can't wait to see how you style and pair those pieces. :-)

As always, follow me on Instagram at Hali_Chic for outfit pairings! Leave any comments below with what you are lusting for this Spring/Summer or let me know what item you currently are loving from our closet!

Thanh

xo

Spring Must Haves: The Handbag

With the snow melted and April showers upon us here in Halifax, I thought this was the perfect time to chit chat about some of the handbag trends and pieces that I am lusting for at the moment. When I'm looking for a new handbag, I tend to lean more towards classic colors like black, beige, brown, and navy... but this year I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone and lusting for pops of color and pattern.

Pretty in Pastels

First up is all about the delightful pastel colored crossbody bag! Pastels in general are always heavily represented in most designer Spring/Summer collections year after year, but this year the colors that stand out the most to me is the fresh pops of Mint and Turquoise. During the spring and summer season I tend to be more active and on the go and may not necessarily need to lug around a lot of extra items so a crossbody bag is a great fit. My little shopaholic heart has been lusting for the 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli in "Sage" or the Loeffler Randall Mini Rider Bag in "Mint". Which one do you think I should get?

           

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Bag / 2. Leoffler Randall Mini Rider Bag

Looking for the same punch of color but one that is a little easier on the pocket book? Check out my Turquoise options below!

Under $200.00 CAD

1. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac - Light Turquoise 

2. Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill - Mini Carson Bag

Under $100.00 CAD

1. Fossil Sydney Top Zip Crossbody   /   2. Forever 21 Subtle Thing Crossbody

Leopard is the new Black

The oh so famous leopard print is so versatile that it is a must have in your closet. In this post I will be focusing in on the leopard print clutches that I have been lusting for... but don't be surprised if you see more leopard printed items in future posts! 

Getting back to the clutch, I have rediscovered my love for clutches over the past year and it's definitely nice to simplify and only tote around the essentials. Sometimes I find myself digging into my larger handbags and finding the most random items that I'm not sure when or why it was placed there in the first place. A clutch sized bag also offers a great way to inject texture, color, and pattern into your outfit without it being "too much of a good thing". Normally I would give some budget friendly options for the items that I am lusting for... but I just haven't found anything that caught my eye. 

Clare Vivier makes the most amazing quality clutches that are each adorned with a single 14 karat gold plated medallion and she offers a wide variety of colors, leathers, and materials to fit any lifestyle or personality. Oh, and they also do Monogramming too! So this would be an adorable gift for any fashionista in your life! I personally want to add the fold over clutch to my collection in the near future because I'm not very tall so it fits my frame well and I love the added dimension that the foldover design offers.

1. Clare Vivier Leopard Flat Clutch   /   2. Clare Vivier Leopard Foldover Clutch

That's all for my Spring/Summer Handbag Lust List (for now anyways)! 

And as always... 

**Comment, Subscribe, and Follow along for weekly Posts :-) 

**Follow me on Instagram at "Hali_Chic" for Outfit pairings

March Favorites

Happy Monday everyone! Today is the last day of my four day stretch off from work and it also happens to be the last day of March, so what better day to list of some of the things I have been loving over the past month. If any of you are from the Halifax area, then you know that Miss Winter has decided to stick around for as long as possible this year. To mark the last week of March, us Haligonians were kissed with a Spring Blizzard so given the chilly weather as of late, my March Favorites is still reminiscent of the Winter season.

1. Metallic Knits - Why do I love metallic knits? You can easily use them to dress up an outfit or paired with softer textures they can add an element of interest to a causal "errand running" outfit.

My first metallic knit purchase this winter was a grey snood from Joe Fresh. I just loved the way I could throw this on with pretty much any outfit, dressy or casual. The size was perfect for those not too cold but not too warm days where a larger snood would have been too heavy and warm. The color is an easy match to almost any pairing, and the hint of metallic instantly lifted the interest of any outfit. Not bad for a sale price of $9.99!

Similar item on sale HERE

I found this Ella Moss gem on the sale rack at Foreign Affair (Clothing boutique here in Halifax) at the beginning the month and it quickly became my go-to sweater. I  looooove the color of this sweater, the Rosegold hue really softens up the all over pressed metallic look of this piece. The brassy zipper details on the sides not only add another texture element to the sweater, but when left unzipped can help to elongate the legs... and standing at 5'1, I will take what I can get! :) I loved to pair this sweater with a faux fur vest and a mixed metal statement necklace for a dressier outfit or under a leather jacket with boyfriend jeans for a slightly more causal look. 

You can get it HERE or on sale HERE

2. The Faux Fur Vest - I definitely think that every girl should have a faux fur vest adorning her closet. No matter what your outfit mood is that day you can probably incorporate a touch of fur into it... extreme statement I know, but seriously I could probably just do an entire post on possible pairings with a fur vest and it could possibly have to be divided into parts! SO to keep this post at a manageable length and not to bore you to death on my love for fur, I will just say this... Get one! This one is from Club Monaco and I bought it a few seasons back and It is one of my go to Fall and Winter pieces!

You can get it HERE

3. The Boyfriend Jeans - So, here is a little back story... I have been on the quest of finding the perfect fitting boyfriend jeans for the past 2 years and finally succeeded this past February while I was in Toronto for work. The funny thing is, it was completely unintentional and I had no goal of finding them that day because I had given up the search in the summer. But finally I found myself in the Aritzia dressing room completely ecstatic that I finally found a pair that wasn't too thick, too tight, too baggy, or too distressed and to further add to my excitement they were on sale for only $74.99... J Brands for less than $80? Now that is excitement in my world! I shamefully have been wearing these maybe a bit too much... got to make up for missing out on wearing them for the past year right?

You can get it HERE

4. Mixed Metallic Statement Necklace - I am in love with this necklace for so many reasons and for any of you that follow me on Instagram, you would have seen this piece regularly included in my OOTDs (Outfit  Of The Day) posts. You can wear this necklace 5 different ways and the mixed metals really make this piece a great pairing with any outfit, dressy or causal. If you are looking for a great statement necklace that is versatile and that can be used all year round, I would highly recommend investing in this piece.

You can get it HERE but must choose a Stylist in order to purchase. Monica Miller is my gal and she is in the Halifax area :)

5. Dry Shampoo - OK, so I'm always convinced that my hair is thinning and that I'm going bald... and my hair dresser assures me that I'm not and its in my head and that I may be slightly crazy. I have been loving dry shampoo for years to extend the life of my freshly washed locks, but I hated that I always had to be careful about not using too much because it would show white powder in my hair. This Bumble and Bumble colored dry shampoo power not only works great as a dry shampoo, but the darker colored powder also adds the illusion of fullness. Now, there are a few cons...

1. The dark colors rinses off in the tub and stains it slightly, so using this product (in black) will lead to more frequent tub scrubbings
2. The dark color will rub off on your pillow case so you will have use one that is less precious to you. It washes off great and the color isn't tough to get out at all.
3. The dark color can transfer to your fingers if you are constantly touching and stroking your hair... but it washes off easily

All of that being said, I still use this product regularly because I love the way my hair looks with it versus without it. I find I'm less self conscious of my thin hair and for that I will scrub the tub more and wash my pillow cases more often!

It comes in Black, Brown, Blonde, and Translucent and you can get it HERE

That's it for my March Favorites! Stay tuned for my next post on a few Spring and Summer Trends that I'm excited for this season.

You can follow me on Instagram at "hali_chic" and don't forget to subscribe, follow, and comment!

Some snow day courage...

With an unexpected "snow day" from work I finally mustered up the courage to create this blog. It's been a long time coming, my lovely sister Monica can certainly attest to the fact that I have created and deleted several different templates over the past few months. My hopes for this blog is simple, I want a place to share my thoughts on some of the things I enjoy... Food, fashion, shoes, handbags, shopping (steals and deals), beauty products and general lifestyle tid bits. Follow, subscribe, and stay tuned for my "March Favorites" post.