Fashion, Holiday Style

Mad for Plaid

No Comments

It’s December, which it’s the Holiday season has officially kicked off! Plaid is definitely as trend I’m loving this holiday season. It’s so chic and festive which definitely helps you get in to the Holiday spirit. Ive put together some of my favourite plaid looks for the holiday season.

Faux Wrap Tartan Skirt


Wanna be tartan something? Well then this skirt is for you. I like the faux wrap style of this skirt and the faux leather detailing at the waist. It really has a Christmas feel to it with the red plaid. I paired this skirt with this adorable sweater from Walmart for a cute and festive Christmas look.

Shop The Look:

Plaid Bodycon Dress

The moment I saw this plaid dress at Garage I simply had to have it. I love the red and green colours in this dress. As this is a strapless dress and we’re currently in the middle of Winter here in Canada, I paired it with a fitted turtleneck and tall boots. I’m a huge fan of this comfortable yet chic holiday look. This particular piece is part of the Sierra Furtado collection at Garage which includes other cute plaid pieces that are just perfect for the season.

Shop The Look:

Belted Mini Skirt

Plaid doesn’t have to be reserved for holiday parties, you can easily incorporate it into your weekday look with this belted skirt from Forever 21. The blue and green colours in this skirt make it less “christmassy” and more work appropriate. I styled it by adding a white turtleneck with opaque tights and flats to give it more of a Winter feel.

Shop The Look: 

What do you think about plaid print – festive or faux pas?

Fashion

Tweed Metallic Skirt

No Comments


It’s  getting to be that time of year again! Fall is fading and making way for Winter, which means Christmas is around the corner. I find everyone dresses up at this time of year and metallics are all the rage this season. I was thrilled to come across this adorable metallic tweed skirt. I found it at Forever 21 and it was so popular it’s sold out! But… I’ve linked some similar pieces at the end of this post 😉

When I first saw this skirt in store it totally gave me the 90’s vibes. For some reason this skirt reminded me of something Fran Drescher would wear on The Nanny. As 90’s fashion is back in style now I decided to pick it up. I like the gold metallic thread and button details in this skirt which give it a more festive feeling.

I decided to put on a modern spin on this 90’s inspired skirt. I paired it with a classic black turtleneck and over the knee boots. Since the weather has gotten a lot chillier in Canada lately, I added a white wrap coat for some contrast.

I know it’s been a while since my last post so I’m going to make a genuine effort to post more consistently.

I’ll be sharing more of my holiday style finds in the coming weeks so stay tuned!

Fashion

Leaf Print Sweater Dress

No Comments

Can you believe it’s November already! Although it doesn’t feel like Fall anymore (it’s gotten much colder here in Ottawa) Fall fashion is still around unlike some of the leaves on the trees. As it’s gotten colder I’ve switched out my Summer dresses for sweater dresses. I came across this comfortable yet chic leaf print sweater dress at Suzy Shier. The three-quarter sleeves and midi length of this dress make it a great workwear choice.

I love the leaf print as it resembles the leaves changing colour in the Fall. I paired this dress with some burgundy opaque tights as I wanted to pick up on the colour in the dress. I also added some matching burgundy pumps. In keeping with the Fall theme I found this adorable felt hat that went perfectly with the light brown colour in the print.

Fall coats are another item I love and I added a warm and cozy wrap coat to this look to finish it off. I picked up this coat at Suzy Shier and it comes in four other colours. I also got it in red – for Christmas perhaps?

P.S. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and I will be starting my series of holiday posts soon so stay tuned!

Shop The Post:

9 to 5, Fashion

Belted Plaid Pants

No Comments

It’s been a while since my last post as I’ve been quite busy with my day job. Since I’ve been occupied with work I thought a workwear post would be appropriate. Plaid is a Fall staple and I was able to keep up with the trend with these belted high-waisted plaid pants from Suzy Shier.

These pants are so comfortable and flattering. The belt accentuates the waist and instantly gives you more shape. The pants are cropped at the ankle and perfect for pairing with your favourite pair of work pumps.

I styled these pants with a classic white work shirt. I typically don’t like long sleeved shirts so I opted for a more casual look and rolled up the sleeves. I added some pearls for some femininity to off-set this menswear inspired look.

What do you think about plaid for Fall, can you make it work?

Shop The Post:

Fashion

Mexican Flair – Collaboration with Frida’s Attic

No Comments

If you’ve been keeping up with my posts on Instagram and Facebook you’d know that I recently collaborated with Frida’s Attic. I’m so excited to share this collaboration! Frida’s Attic is an Ottawa based business that sells clothing, shoes and accessories by in Mexico.

I love the colours and woven details on their pieces. The store is owned and operated by Ottawa based Mexican-Canadian entrepreneur Adriana Rincon. All the items she sells are made by artisans in Mexico.  Her goal is to promote fair trade and bring awareness about Mexican communities.

Adriana first started her business as a means to help families affected by the earthquake in Mexico in September 2017. Her online boutique offering one of a kind hand made pieces has since grown and gained notoriety in the Ottawa community. This September Frida’s Attic participated in Runway for Hope, a fundraiser  in support of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario ( CHEO) showcasing local designers and fashion. I was so pleased to attend this event as a guest of Frida’s Attic.

I’m currently loving the ponchos in the Fall/Winter collection at Frida’s attic. They’re bright, colourful and keep you warm on a windy autumn afternoon. If you love bright colours, attention to detail and one of a kind pieces then Frida’s Attic is the place for you. Check them out online and use my promo code WEEKEND to save 20% off your order.

9 to 5, Fashion

Pink Power Suit

No Comments

It’s Wednesday and in my world that means one thing – Work Wear Wednesday! I don’t know about you but I’m totally loving pastels this Fall so I was overjoyed when I came across this pink power suit at Suzy Shier. Pastels aren’t typically Fall colours but adding a little dusty rose to your Autumn wardrobe is a great way to incorporate some colour.

I love this pink suit as it adds some femininity to my work clothes. I have many other business suits but they’re typically grey or black – not the most interesting choice of colours. I’m also a fan of the pearl button details on the blazer that give it an extra layer of class and finesse.

I paired this suit with a high neck ruffle blouse that I also picked up at Suzy Shier. The ruffle detail in the neckline and the smocking on the sleeves add to the feminine flair of this outfit. I wanted to go for a monochrome chic look with this suit. I added a pair of pink kitten heels and my go-to tote the Louis Vuitton neverfull MM. I have the neverfull in Damier Ebene (brown) and Damier Azur (white) as it’s such a versatile bag and a great investment piece.

What do you think about pastels for Fall?

Special thanks to Suzy Shier for sponsoring this post.

Shop The Post:

9 to 5, Fashion

Workwear 101: Collaboration with Suzy Shier

No Comments

2.jpg

I’m so pleased to announce that I’ve collaborated with Canadian retailer Suzy Shier to bring you some of my favourite workwear pieces and tips for great 9 to 5 style. I was recently interviewed for their Suzy’s Stories blog. You can read my interview below 🙂 Special thanks to Suzy Shier for sponsoring this post.

Hi Praveeni, thanks so much for joining us! So, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from and what do you do for a living?
I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Canada as a child. I’ve been living in Ottawa for about 26 years so I pretty much grew up here. I work as a Project Manager and Professor at a local College where I teach international business.

How do you balance being a fashion blogger and working full time?
There’s definitely a lot of planning that goes in to balancing blogging and working full time. I like to think I’m pretty good at managing my time. I plan out my outfits and photoshoots for the week. Most of my photos are taken on the weekends – like the name of my blog The Weekend Fashionista suggests.

How and why did you get into blogging?
I’ve always loved fashion and putting outfits and looks together. Over the years I’ve had friends and co-workers ask me where I got my clothing or accessories so I thought what better way to tell them than through a blog. I started documenting my daily style as a hobby and sharing links to the pieces I love with friends.

As you love fashion so much, would you ever consider working in the fashion industry?
I think working in the fashion industry would be an exciting experience. If the right opportunity came along it’s definitely something I would consider. I’d love to contribute to a collection someday, perhaps curating a Weekend Fashionista collection 😉

How do you show your personal style AND stay looking professional in the work place? Any tips?
I find accessories and accent pieces are a great way to show off your personal style in the workplace. I like to incorporate colour and texture in to my workwear wardrobe. I prefer a more feminine look so I’m usually in a dress or skirt at work. Whether it’s a printed blazer, a colourblock dress or a statement necklace there’s always a way to show off your personality and keep things professional at the same time.

If you have a big meeting at work, what will you wear to feel confident?
This is a tough one. I usually wear dresses to work and a structured work dress is a great confidence booster. For a more formal meeting I might throw on a blazer on top of the dress. I may also go for pants and a matching blazer, there’s a reason it’s called a power suit after all. When you’re wearing an outfit that you love you instantly feel more confident.

What’s your go-to outfit outside of the office?
Outside of the office my style is pretty relaxed and casual. On the weekend you can usually find me in a pair of jeans or jeggings and a sweater or blouse. I may throw on the occasional blazer if I’ve got dinner plans etc. after my weekend errands. Weekends are also great for showing off your creativity so I definitely enjoy getting dressed up and going out in the evenings.

What are some of your favourite workwear picks from our latest collection?
There’s so many great pieces in your latest collection it’s hard to choose just a few but here are some of the pieces I’m currently loving:

Suzy Shier Workwear.jpg

This sheath dress is so chic! It totally gives me the Chanel vibes with the fabric and cut. This blouse is so pretty, I especially like the smocking on the sleeves and the ruffle neck. This skirt would look great with a pair of opaque tights and a blouse – perfect for Fall and Winter. Fall florals are all the rage and I’m loving the print on this blouse and the detail in the buttons. I love the feminine detail of the pearl button on this dusty pink blazer, so pretty!

What are your top 3 fashion tips for great 9 to 5 style?
1. Aim for a polished and professional look
Look for fit when shopping for workwear pieces and if that blazer you absolutely love is just a tad baggier than you’d like, consider getting it altered for a better fit. Make sure you don’t have any stray threads or tags hanging off your clothing and always iron or press your clothes. A well pressed outfit just looks more polished and professional.

2. Personalize your workwear looks
Don’t be afraid to show off your personality by incorporating colour or accessories in to your workwear wardrobe. Just be respectful of your workplace’s dress code

3. Add some feminine flair to your workwear
Many people think that workwear should be boring and restricted to black or grey pant suits but a feminine structured dress or skirt does the job too. I find myself drawn to colourful work dresses and feminine details on blouses and skirts. Dresses and skirts are versatile pieces as you can wear them year round, simply add opaque tights and a cardigan for the Fall and Winter.

When it comes to having great style and looking well put together I think Coco Chanel said it best “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman”

4.jpg

Fashion

Pearl Detail Blouse

No Comments

 

It’s definitely feeling like Fall outside and one trend I’m loving this season is pearls. I was thrilled when I saw this pearl detail blouse in-store at Melanie Lyne. Pearls are such a feminine and classy touch to any piece and this blouse is no exception. I love the chiffon fabric in this blouse and the high neckline. The pearls across the neckline give this piece a formal finishing touch. I also like the pearl buttons at the wrist, so classy and elegant.

This is a great blouse for work or an evening out. I went for a more corporate look when styling this piece. I paired the blouse with a checked print midi skirt. The pattern on the skirt helps balance out the plain black blouse. To accessorize I added a pair of basic black pumps – workwear must-have and my favourite satchel bag by Michael Kors.

I like the fact that this blouse adds some elegance to my workwear look. I’ve worn this outfit to work before and I simply love it. What do you think about the pearl detail trend this Fall?

Shop The Post:

Fashion

Red Ruffle Sleeve Dress

No Comments

Red is a colour I’m absolutely loving this Fall. It’s so rich and chic, nothing says class like a  deep rich red. It’s also a great vibrant colour and symbolizes power – hello red power suit 😉 I was thrilled when I came across this red ruffle sleeve dress at Melanie Lyne.

This Karl Lagerfeld dress has a retro flair to it which I absolutely love. The ruffles on the sleeve give it a feminine touch. I also like that this dress fits a bit looser on the body, again a more retro vibe to it. For some reason this dress just screams Jackie O, don’t you think? The pearl buttons on this dress are so chic and totally on trend as pearls are a major must-have this Fall.

I paired this dress with a gorgeous pearl cascade necklace also from Melanie Lyne. I wanted to accent the pearl buttons on the sleeves. The necklace also breaks up the red of the dress and adds interest in the neckline area. I added my favourite pair of Ted Baker pumps and my go to Michael Kors bag for a more corporate chic look. I love clothing with a vintage or retro feel so this dress is definitely one of my favourites.

What do you think about red for Fall? I’ve linked some similar dresses and jewelry below 🙂

Shop The Post:

Fashion

Blair Waldorf Inspired Outfit

No Comments

 

It’s good to be back after a short break! Although I’ve been pretty active on Instagram I haven’t done many blog posts lately. With Fall just around the corner I’m hoping to change that 😉  Even though it’s been off the air for quite a few years now, Gossip Girl continues to influence my style. I was a huge fan of the show and the fashion. I most identified with Blair Waldorf, as I simply loved her elegant and chic looks on the show. I even went through a phase where I wanted to be brown Blair Waldorf, headbands and all. When I saw this adorable blazer in-store at Suzy Shier I was thrilled to be able to put together this Blair Waldorf inspired outfit.

The blazer just screamed Gossip Girl with its embossed check patterning and double-breasted gold buttons. This is a piece you can dress up or down. I wanted to go for a more casual chic look so I paired it with a white tank top and jeans. I dressed up this look (Blair never dresses down) by adding some sophisticated yet feminine shoes and accessories.

Pearls never go out of style, in fact they’re very much in style this Fall with pearl details adorning everything from dresses to jeans. I wore a long pearl necklace which I layered for a fuller look. I also added my go-to bag from Michael Kors. It’s a great piece for work or the weekend. To finish off this look I wore my favourite pair of black pumps by Ted Baker. I simply love the bow detail on the front of this shoe, so cute and feminine.

Were you a fan of Gossip Girl? If so which character’s style did you like the most?

Shop The Post: