Winners

What I Wore: Miami Ice

17 February, 2015 Nelia

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I don’t know about you, but I am officially sick and tired of winter. This past weekend (Valentine’s Day and Family Day long weekend) was so frigid (felt like -40!!!), that going outside felt like an act of bravery. Le bf and I did manage to go out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, and I did make it to the gym one morning, but the rest of my long weekend was spent on the couch, wrapped in a fluffy blanket, drinking hot tea, and watching movies. Hybernation is the only way to survive, y’all. Which is why we haven’t shot any new outfit posts lately…and also why I am trotting out my last What I Wore post from our long-ago trip to Miami.

I didn’t post it originally because we didn’t take a lot of photos that day, but beggars can’t be choosers, so here it is now…a couple of months later…all sunshine and pretty colours. Makes me want to get away again! Luckily, our next trip is coming soon, but not soon enough!

So tell me, how are you surviving winter? Wherever you are…

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More after the jump!
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What I Wore: Blue Plaid Coat

19 November, 2014 Nelia

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If you live in Toronto, or anywhere else in the world where winters and cold days in general last forever, you really can’t own too many coats. Outerwear is the one thing that people will see on you day after day, and it helps having more than one to spice things up. Which is why I was overjoyed when The Bay generously sent me this blue plaid stunner from Planet to wear and to love this fall.

Obviously, I wore it to dinner the same night, feeling like this new coat injected new life into my simple outfit. And while it looks like it wouldn’t be warm enough for our blistery days, with a little creative layering (a wool sweater over a shirt dress), it does the job splendidly. I will definitely enjoy throwing this coat on, to change things up from my usual wintery parka and to add some colour to my outfits.

So tell me, how do you handle cold weather? Do you reach for your trusty puffer, or do you like to layer and wear a lightweight coat instead? Share in the comments.

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I Wore: Coat – c/o PLANET (The Bay); Shirt Dress – Gap; Hat, Tights – H&M; Boots – Saint Laurent (WINNERS); Bag – CHANEL

What I Wore: On The Street

10 October, 2014 Nelia

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One day during NYFW, I was walking down the street, giddy from my delicious Shake Shack lunch date, when a man stopped me on the street and asked me whether I was a blogger. Since we were quite a ways away from Lincoln Centre, I was a bit taken aback when he asked me for a photo, but nevertheless obliged. I think you can actually see the apprehension in my eyes…but I’m really glad I stopped to chat with this man.

His name is Mangue Banzima and he’s a street style photographer. By now, I’ve spent a ton of time going through his site and Instagram, looking at the beautiful photos of people on the street. He has a very warm and approachable personality, and it’s reflected on his subjects’ faces…well, except mine that is. Hopefully, we can have a re-do another time, Mangue. Sorry for the bitchface in some pics.

This post is also the very first time I’m posting a photo of myself with my newly-ish silver/grey/platinum hair. It’s actually been nearly a month since I dyed my locks, and it’s decidedly less grey and more blonde now. But thanks to Mangue, I have it captured in all its silver fox glory. Stay tuned for my hair story about entering the Khaleesi/Gandalf hair territory. Happy Friday!

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I Wore: Dress – Finders Keepers (eLUXE); Leather Vest – Urban Outfitters; Boots – Saint Laurent (Winners); Bag – CHANEL; Earrings, Cuff – H&M

Photo Credit: Mangue Banzima

What I Wore: Winning

1 November, 2013 Nelia

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Last month I found myself going to WINNERS like it’s my job. You see, I found a beautiful croc-embossed circle leather skirt at the College St location, but sadly, it wasn’t in my size. In the past, I’ve had a lot of luck with designer pieces at WINNERS. My fave Runway finds so far include a beautiful Missoni maxi skirt in the brand’s signature zig-zag print, and a sexy draped LBD from Alexander Wang. Each item was purchased at a fraction of its original price, and both are still MVPs in my wardrobe. Knowing that other stores in the city carry pieces from the Runway collection, I knew better than to give up, and so I didn’t.

Over the next few days I visited Bloor St location, where I found an amazing Chloé shearling coat and Versace skort (for $99!!!), Queen St and Portland St location, where I was stunned to find a Chanel bag, and a gorgeous velvet Dolce and Gabbana blazer, Front St location, with a huge variety of designer shoes – Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Lanvin, you name it – but no sight of the coveted Sachin and Babi skirt. As I was about to accept defeat and buy the Chloé coat instead (as a sort of crazy amazing consolation prize), something told me to go back to College St, and so I did.

And what do you know?! The skirt was hanging on the rack, perfect and in my size, just waiting for me to scoop it up! After grabbing it as quickly as I my hands could reach, I simply could not resist checking out what else was new at the Runway department. That day I found the most incredible sparkly tweed Céline coat (which was sadly too small, otherwise this outfit post would have revolved around French outerwear), Fendi accessories, more Chanel pieces (jewellery and bags), and even more designer shoes. But back to the skirt, the one I was trying to hunt down for days, it was finally mine, and so I left other tempting pieces behind (for another time, perhaps), and happily skipped to the cash register. Mission accomplished!

So the moral of the story is: next time you see something you love at WINNERS, but don’t see it in your size, please don’t give up! There are so many locations out there, and with new merchandise arriving daily, you are bound to find your size sooner or later. And even if you don’t, you may just stumble upon other fantastic finds.

Happy Finding!

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More after the jump!

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What I Wore: Streetstyling

29 October, 2012 Nelia

Fashion week is over, and after days of running around, not having time to eat or sleep in order to take in as much fashion as I possibly could, I can now relax and look back at all the fun I had. One of my fondest memories of last week was meeting Maxim Kopanygin, Flare Magazine’s street style photographer extraordinaire and as it turned out, a friend’s brother. Small world!

Even after hours in the rainy cold, outside of the tents, Max had the most positive energy…and his photos are amazing too! Pretty sure he has a huge future in fashion ahead of him.

Speaking of the photos, both of these outfits feature pieces I picked up during my last visit to Vaughan Mills mall – the gorgeous Maryam Keyhani necklace and green Prada clutch from Holts Last Call. Both purchased on major sale, and both special pieces I will treasure for years to come, and which made my fashion week dressing that much easier! Now that’s what I call a good buy.

I Wore: 1st Outfit: Leather Jacket, Necklace – Zara; Sweater – Winners; Skirt – H&M; Clutch – Prada (Holts Last Call); Sunglasses – Elizabeth and James

2nd Outfit: Trench – Burberry; Shirt, Pants – Joe Fresh; Necklace – Maryam Keyhani (Holts Last Call); Shoes – Zara; Bag – Flare x Aldo Shoes

Photo Credits: Maxim Kopanygin

Winners Spring 2012 Preview

30 January, 2012 Nelia

In case you needed a reminder…it’s almost February. And what does that mean? Only a couple of months until spring! Hooray! Earlier this month, I attended Winners’ Spring 2012 Preview, showcasing some of the cutest and most affordable spring clothes I’ve seen in a while. From flirty dresses, to lovely shoes, to swimsuits-galore, to colorful denim (under $20 no less) – there’s definitely something for everyone! And I seriously can’t wait to see it all in stores. Actually, some of the pieces are already available at select locations nationwide, like the below Missoni-esque dress, which I’d spotted last week at the Bloor St. location.

I also spotted more than a few amazing high-end designer pieces, which in Toronto, should be available at Bloor St, College St, and Queen St (and Portland) locations…I certainly wouldn’t mind adding a lacy Valentino frock to my wardrobe…or a pair of grey lacy pants. Simply gorgeous!

Do you shop at Winners often? Which location is your favorite for scoring the best deals? Share your tips in the comments.

To see more photos from the preview, please visit our Facebook Page.

What I Wore: Striped

23 January, 2012 Nelia

4 things:

1. Happy Chinese New Year!

2. Yes, I am wearing the furry vest again. No, I don’t need an intervention.

3. This is what I wore to a mom-date this weekend…one where my mom made me yummy Russian food, and I had to roll myself home afterwards.

4. Is the weekend really over already? *cries, hides in the corner*

I Wore: Sweater, Jeggings – Old Navy; Faux Fur Vest – Winners; Boots – Aldo; Bag – Prada; Necklace – Forever21

What I Wore: Faking It

29 November, 2011 Nelia

Last weekend was brutal for me. I won’t go into details, but I feel exhausted this week, and it’s only TUESDAY! Plus, the rainy/crappy weather certainly isn’t helping.

The only positive of this temperature shift, is that I finally get to wear my beloved faux fur vest! And that’s about it.

Hope your weekend was more fun than mine! What did you do?

I Wore: Shirt – Gap; Fur Vest – Winners; Pleather Pants, Necklace – Forever21; Boots – Proenza Schouler (The Room); Clutch – Prada (Holt Renfrew)

What I Wore: Grey, Red, and Sunny

13 November, 2011 Nelia

How amazing was the weather this weekend? It’s middle of November, and I didn’t have to wear a coat! It just doesn’t get much better than this…in Toronto.

On top of enjoying the sunshine, I spent some time with my ~~girlfriends~~ bridesmaids, going over wedding details, watching Bridesmaids, and eating cheesecake. Best weekend ever? I think so!

How was yours?

I Wore: Sweater – Vero Moda (Winners); Red Jeans – Old Navy; Boots – Proenza Schouler; Scarf – H&M; Bag – Prada; Sunglasses – Ray Ban

What I Wore: Beauty Parler Says “I Do!”

21 October, 2011 Nelia

When my friend Monica of Beauty Parler got engaged, I was so excited for her! I’ve known this stylish lady for 8 years now…pretty much ever since I’d moved here from Texas, and I just knew that her wedding was going to be incredible. Monica wore a lovely Priscilla of Boston gown, with a long Spanish veil…and she looked stunning…such a gorgeous bride!

Since I knew that her decor was going to have a lot of purple accents, choosing my outfit was a breeze. I finally got to wear my (precious) Lanvin x H&M dress! I’ve been saving it for a special-enough occasion, and what could be more special than a wedding? Le boyfriend and I danced salsa and merengue, ate Portuguese food, and had a lovely time. Plus, we might’ve gotten some pointers for our own wedding in May! Thank you, Mon and Carlos, for an amazing night!

I Wore: Dress – Lanvin x H&M; Shoes – Pierre Hardy (The Room); Clutch – Winners; Ring – YSL; Earrings – The Bay