Eden.

I have been particularly busy these past couple of weeks and will continue to be until Christmas. Please forgive me for my lackluster posting. I received coupons in the mail from the Gap and I am hoping to put them to good use. Below are my favourites from the new arrivals section.

Gap Striped Waffle Romper. 

Gap Anchor Sweatshirt.

Gap Alice Ritter Star Shirt in navy.

Style Watch: Emma Stone Edition

Red.

One of my favourite songs.

Stood for something.

Since it is freezing outside, I have been frantically looking for a hat that will meet both my style and warmth needs. I have had some luck and recently purchases two hats. One from ASOS and one from Forever 21. Sadly, the Forever 21 hat looked awkward on my head so I had to return it, and I am still in the hat market.

While I was perusing the accessories section of Anthropologie, this darling hat caught my eye. I thought I would post it and get some opinions. Too sparkly or just enough? I think that this type of hat would be eye catching for a weekend out, but I am not sure if it something that I could wear on a daily basis. I am going to be thinking over whether this is an investment I want to make. I will highlight that at $138, this hat is an investment.

  Anthropologie Sifted Sparkle Hat.  

Something now.

In keeping with this week's theme of updating your winter wardrobe, today I am posting about jewelry.

As a side note, have you ever looked at a store's jewelry collection and thought "I would not wear any of this"? I had that feeling today and I was surprised because I usually find at least one piece that I would purchase.

Getting back on topic, I am posting some delightful pieces of jewelry from Anthropologie that are very trendy right now and would look great with almost all of the winter looks that I am seeing. Take a look....

Anthropologie Pewter Bloom Layered Choker. 

Anthropologie Plumed Luster Bracelet.

Study.

As a student completing a professional degree, I often find myself caught between wanting to dress professional and cherishing those last few years of wearing whatever I want on a daily basis. I usually find that I do a 3-2 split of professional to casual looks in a given week. That being said, my casual look is pretty polished. I thought I would post a few sweaters that can be worn with a jeans or a wool pant. These are what I would consider a polished casual look and others will have faith in your competence!

I also want to point out that J Crew is having a 25% off sale on all sweaters and free shipping. This is a main reason why I am highlighting their collection. I am not sure what their policy is for price adjustment with Black Friday/Cyber Monday coming up, but you may want to consider taking this deal now while your size is still available!

 J Crew Lambswool Diamond Sweater in caramel red.

J Crew Merino V-Neck Sweater in vintage kelly.

J Crew Merino Turtleneck Sweater in abstract diamond.

Supple.

This week's theme has been updating your professional winter wardrobe. I wanted to continue today with a post on footwear. As the weather turns, I often finding myself wearing knee high leather boots with jeans or tights. As a young professional, this is not the most "put together" look. But, if you're like me, your boots are not going to the back of your closet any time soon. I thought I would post some boots that could be worn in the office with a skirt and pantyhose, as well as other winter appropriate heels.

Stuart Weitzman Toujours boots.

Stuart Weitzman Backstage boots in Nigeria Nappa.

Stuart Weitzman Slipon flat in black patent.

Stuart Weitzman Naughty pump in black patent.

Argo

This past week I went to see the film Argo. I have been wanting to see it since I read an interview Ben Affleck did promoting the film at the Toronto International Film Festival. I must say, it did not disappoint. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.

Having taken Public International Law, I was aware of the US Embassy Hostage crisis in Iran as a violation of international law. I was not aware that six American escaped the embassy or that Canada played such a key role in their rescue. Ben Affleck was very successful bringing this story to life in Argo.

You are probably aware of the key plot details of the film. Six Americans escape the embassy in Tehran after it is taken over by Iranian students and seek refuge at the Canadian Ambassador's home. The CIA came up with a genius cover story that a Canadian film crew is scouting locations in Iran and uses forged Canadian documents showing the Americans are crew members to get them out of Iran.

My favourite parts of Argo were the scenes with John Goodman and Alan Arkin. The sharp and witty dialogue stole the scenes. I also appreciated that in the end, the whole "mission" relied on those two answering  a phone call. I also appreciated the crazy Hollywood costumes and the frequent comments about the smoke and mirrors reality of the movie industry. 

Another aspect of the film that I keep coming back to is the images of women in the Iranian student movement. Through the film women were given sinister roles; they were shown monitoring the embassy using walkie-talkies, wielding ak-47s, and the voice of the student movement. The use of "violent women" imagery was very effective and I found myself feeling disturbed every time I saw it.

Despite enjoying the Argo, I was struck by two negative things. First, I did not appreciate the callous references to Canada or downplaying the truly heroic role the Ambassador and his wife played throughout the crisis. Secondly, I do not think the Iranian students were given a fair portrayal. The brief explanation of America's history in Iran at the beginning of the film was not sufficient to give the audience a true understanding of Iran's position during the crisis. The film painted the Iranians as "bad" without digging into the reasons for the student revolution. Considering the hostility between America and Iran today, I think Argo has the potential to deepen tensions and was not thoughtfully produced. The hostage situation was a crisis, but there are two sides to the story and Argo fails to tell both.

On the whole, I really enjoyed this film! I would recommend going to see it in theaters and enjoying a tub of popcorn with it. I am happy that Ben Affleck is making a career rebound and hopefully he will make another hit soon.

Mod.

As a law student, I like to spend time thinking about my future career. Sometimes, I like to picture what my future "corner" office will look. I am a big fan of the modern, understated look.I like work spaces with a lot of natural light, clean lines and space to tuck things away.I have brought together a few office designs that I could see myself in and that you may find inspiring for your own space.

Cranberries.

One of the best things about winter apparel is the rich and deep hues. I am particularly happy with this year's dark reds, cranberries and burgundy clothing. Of course, I am also a fan of the tradition purples, blue and greens. I am going to be posting a series of recommendations on how to update your professional winter wardrobe with a few key pieces. Today's post is about blouses!

I envision the following blouses to be paired with either a skirt or pant suit in black, dark grey or navy. Buying a few blouses per season will update your wardrobe, maintain your budget, and if you treat them well, can be used for several seasons. Take a look at these blouses and let me know what you think.

 

Banana Republic Printed Pleat-Front Blouse.

Banana Republic Detachable Cowl Neck Sweater in red delicious.

Banana Republic Marissa Silk Ruffle Top.

Banana Republic Tailored Non-iron Sateen Shirt in purple flower.

I have chosen all of these tops from Banana Republic for their quality and because they are having a sale! I like getting new clothing, but I love a bargain. The current 30% off is a great deal, but you may consider waiting until next week to see if there is a better Black Friday deal.

Classic.

Early this year I posted some really classic pieces of jewelry from J Crew that I thought would compliment a professional outfit. I was reluctant to purchase the bracelet because I thought it was a tad expensive for non-precious metal and glass stones. I have come across a similar bracelet at a reasonable price and after trying to find it in store, ordered it online. So without further ado...

Forever 21 Sparkling Link Bracelet.

Mint.

It is fall sale season and I am pleased to report all my favourite shops are having sales. If you're looking for a bargain check out: J Crew, Banana Republic, Gap and ASOS. Currently, ASOS is having a 25% off sale for students! Exciting huh? If you have time, take a look and try to find a bargain. Then again, Black Friday is right around the corner so you may want to wait for a better deal.

In the mean time. Take a look at these purses that are functional for everyday and very trendy.

 

ASOS Scallop Front Tab Across Body Bag. 

ASOS Metal Corner Satchel.

ASOS Double Tassel Zip Clutch.

Light.

Tweet.

I am living proof that advertising works. As you all know, I have signed up for the J Crew newsletter and get all the inside scoop on deals and new clothing. I received an email last week about a tweed blazer and I loved it! Naturally, I am sharing it with you.

J Crew Collection Lady Jacket in Graphic Tweed.

J Crew Lady Jacket in Corkscrew Tweed in vibrant fuchsia.

Breeze.

If I didn't know it was winter by the rush of cinnamon and egg nog products at my local cafes, I know that it is now! The weather has turned; it is below zero temperatures and the wind is fierce. I have my bundled up in coats and scarves, but I don't have many hats to cover my hair. The benefit of wearing a hat this time of year is that your hair is less messy and stays in place.

One trend that I love for this season is the "turban hat". Forever 21 was selling a lovely burgundy one, but it is sold out. I have scoured the web and found some on ASOS that I adore. Take a look and tell me which one I should pick up!

ASOS Bow Front Turban Hat.

ASOS Knitted Turban Hat. 

 

 ASOS Chunky Knit Turban Hat.

Style Watch: Country Music Awards.

Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood.

 

Kristin Bell.

Taylor Swift.

 

Taylor Swift performing Begin Again.

Luke Bryan.

 

Luke Bryan performing.