I Want: Cheap Accessories

1. Necklace CAD15,80

2. Bag CAD 31,80

3. Bracelet CAD 9,80

4. Earrings CAD 4,80

5. Clutch CAD 31,80

6. Bracelet CAD 1,50

7. Bag CAD 41,80

8. Earrings CAD 3,80

9. Coin Purse CAD 5,80

10. Bracelet CAD 4,80

All from Forever 21.

It's January. We are all broke. Well, I know I am. To be honest, I'm on a serious shopping diet. Anyways, the clothes available in stores right now are either Boxing Day residues or previews of spring collections, which sadly we aren't going to wear before a couple of months. 

But I still get bored by my clothes (perhaps I should do another 30 for 30?). Luckily, one of the easiest ways to spice up outfits while not spending too much money is by changing or adding accessories. I enjoy going to Forever 21 when I want cheap and trendy accessories, so I took a virtual look at the accessories section. What's even better is that I found a gift card in my wallet so I might even get a couple of them for real!

Where do you shop for cheap accessories?

I Want: Kitten Shoes

Source: m5.paperblog.com

It all started with this picture of Alexa Chung at Valentino Ready to Wear Spring 2011 show.

I first noticed the dress, with the oh-so-cute bows on the shoulders. I think this is the way to do strapless! Then, I saw that her shoes have kittens on it. Yes, KITTENS! No way. I never thought at my age, I would be jealous of someone wearing kitten shoes. But it happened.

Lately, she did it again. At the 2011 British Fashion Awards.

Source: cdn-public.ladmedia.fr

It might not show on the picture, but she's wearing the pump version of the kitten shoe.

That was it: I so deeply need cat shoes. 

After a search on the web (thanks Rose!), I found them. They are from Charlotte Olympia.

Source: snapfashion.files.wordpress.com

There is only one slight little problem... they are priced about 700CA$.

Maybe in another (cat) life.

Rose: My Birthday Wishlist

1. Merde, il pleut! umbrella: because it's a fun way to face the winter weather.
2. Flowery business cards holder: because now that I have some, I feel bad just leaving them in my wallet.
3. Black lace dress: because I desperately want one, but can't seem to actually find any.
4. Flowery dress: because it's pretty, even though I have no occasion to wear it.
5. Fair isle sweater dress: because I am in desperate search of fair isle items.
6. Earrings: because I like the chic feel to them.
7. Cupcake kit: because I have housewife hobbys.
8. Black ballerinas: because I had to throw mine in the garbage.
9. Purple low-heel wedges: because they're on sale and well, they're purple.
10. Black knee-high boots: because I don't have fall boots, and they're just amazing.
11. iPhone 4: because I am sick of the stupid iPhone3 camera.
12. Keep Calm and Drink Tea mug: because I drink lots of tea and love this memorabilia
13. Slipper booties: because my feet are always cold lately and I hate wearing socks.
14. Born to Shop, Forced to Cook apron: because that's my housewife life.
15. Gray/black striped sweater: because one can never own too many striped items.
16. Silver nail polish: because it's glamorous, fun and cute.
17. Canon 60D camera: because my DSLR is starting to get tired, and this one looks amazing.
18. UK flag cushion: because even though I live in France, I'm still a britophile at heart.
19. Comfy pyjama pants: because yes, sometimes I do spend my whole day in my pyjamas.
20. Bow headband: because it's really cute and simple.
21. Book on history of architecture: because I travel a lot and would like to have a clue what I'm actually looking at.

Someone give me the winning ticket, okay? Thanks :-)

Violette: I Want (Birthday Edition, Part 2)

Here is my birthday wishlist, part 2. (You can see part 1 here.)

(Click on the numbers below for the links.)

1. Cute makeup pouch. Like this one from Madewell.

2. The prettiest ballerinas/slippers of the world. Like these from Madewell (tell me if you find a cheaper version... I really want them!)

3. Nude slip dress. Like this one from Gap.

4. Perfect blue dress. Like this one from Zara.

5. Camera (and a cordless remote, not shown). Like this one from Canon.

6. Expresso and cappucino single-cup machine. Like this one from Nespresso (Please note: picture and link aren't the same.)

7. 9. 11. Winter hats. Like these from Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and Harricana.

8. Leather skirt or shorts. Like this skirt from Madewell.

10. Medallion necklace. Like this one from Madewell.

12. Polka dot anything. Like this polka dot mini skirt from Zara.

13. Funny wall/window sticker. Like this "Warning: Obese cat inside" sticker from Loyal Luxe.

14. 16. Brain-related items. Like these phrenology head and brain poster both from Urban Outfitters.

15. Leopard handbag/clutch. Like this one from Forever 21.

17. Top with leather inserts. Like this t-shirt from Zara.

18. Pretty cat house. Like this one from Loyal Luxe.

Violette: I Want (Birthday Edition, Part 1)

November is the month of my birthday, yay!

In case someone wants to give me a gift... here are some ideas, part 1. (I always have wishlists that never end. Never.)

(Click on the numbers below for the links.)

1. Sequin mini skirt. Like this one from Joe Fresh. (Ok I confess: I went to Joe Fresh and bought one very similar, but in black.)

2. 9. 12. 13. 15. 17. 19. Fashion related books and cat crazy stories. Like these.

3. Shirt-dress (long enough to be worn as a dress and not a tunic). Like this one from Zara.

4. Cool wall art. Like this calendar that can be reused as little boxes afterwards.

5. Leopard ballerinas or very low pumps. Like these from Yellow.

6. 8. Loose minimalist long sleeve tops. Like these both from Zara.

7. New computer. Like this MacBook Air, perhaps... haha.

10. Cute slippers-like shoes. Like these glittery ones from Aldo (currently on sale... ohhh. I might even make it a "from me to me" gift. Yes, another one.)

11. White or cream long sleeve dress. Like this one from Zara. (Edit: Hum... I kind of bought it today...!)

14. Quirky cushion for my bed. This one is perfect with a) russian dolls and b) grey and yellow colors.

16. Chunky black knit. Like this one from H&M. (You know my trip to Joe Fresh ...? Well, I found a black knit also. haha)

18. Black feather clutch. Like this one from Zara.

Violette: I Want (Black Ballerina Edition)

If you are anything like me, as much as I love fancy shoes and everything, I always end up wearing my trusted black ballerinas for comfort. But sadly, ballerinas have a very short life span. Every season, I must try to find a new pair and the problem is, I'm picky. Oh-so-picky.

My ballerina must have:

• a somewhat pointy toe (to elongate the leg)
• a slight heel (if you never experienced the difference between flat and 0.5-1" heel... try it you'll be amazed by the comfort)
• a simple design (the ballerina must not be the focal point of my outfit).

If it can be in real leather, it's a plus (to me, leather is more comfortable because it can breathe).

So, I always have a hard time finding new ballerinas. Here are a few models currently on my "to-try" list.

1. Aldo, 75 CA$
2. No Angel via Globo, 14,98 CA$ (on sale)
3. Asos, 44,26 CA$
4. Spring, 49,99 CA$

But still, I would prefer something even more plain than these ones. Any suggestions for me?

And what about you? Do you wear ballerinas? Are you as picky as I am?

Rose: I Want

Ahhh, the fall collection. Always a favorite of mine. I don't know why I've always been more of a fall person - I love the colors, the fabrics, the smells, the light. My usual shopping September shopping spree is coming soon and I honestly can't wait to get my hands on some of these pieces (of course, not being employed at the moment means I can't afford all these items, but I have a feeling number 2, 5, 9, 10 and 13 will soon be mine).

1. Necklace - HM - 5 €
2. Maryjanes - Etam - 35 €
3. Straight leg jeans - Naf Naf - 49 €
4. Striped long sleeved shirt - Naf Naf - 29 €
5. Black sweater with bow - Naf Naf - 35 €
6. Long wrapped cardigan - Dorothy Perkins - £38
7. Elbow-patch cardigan - HM - 15 €
8. Cream dress - HM - 30 €
9. Bag - Eram - 40 €
10. Ballerinas - Delia's - $19
11. Wrapped cardigan - HM - 25 €
12. Riding boots - HM - 60 €
13. Sleeveless wrapped cardigan - HM - €40

Violette: I Want

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday. I've been sick: I hurt my back on Monday. So I didn't go to work, neither did I take outfit pictures for the last two days.

I also have no pictures from Osheaga, it was way too hot to take beautiful outfit pictures, I was all sweaty and red. (Did I tell you how much I hate the heat?! Grrr.) But I'll try to recreate my outfit as soon as I feel better. There is this thing about style blogging, you need to feel relatively good about yourself to take outfit pictures!

I thought it was too early to post this, but as I don't have anything else prepared, and I don't want to leave you all week without any new post, there you go!

I went at H&M last week and I really loved the new items for fall. I had to force myself not to buy anything because summer is still going on strong here in Montreal. Anyway, here are my favorite items:

1. H&M dress, 39,95 CA$
2. H&M coat, 69,95 CA$
3. H&M bangle, 14,95 CA$
4. H&M shoes, 59,95 CA$
5. H&M dress, 29,95 CA$
6. H&M skirt, 34,95 CA$
7. H&M top, 29,95 CA$

What do you think of H&M's fall 2011 collection?

Violette: I Want

So, what can a girl do when she's sick and stuck home?

Shop, of course!

Technically, I'm not really supposed to shop because I can't handle a budget and I spent too much money in the past two months. Sigh.

But still, I would love to have these items. And I just won a gift card from H&M so I can shop a little... right? Thanks again H&M! (How did I win? Follow us on twitter to find out!)

1. Swimsuit, Joe Fresh
2. Jacket, Zara
3. Bag, H&M
4. Jacket, H&M
5. Dress, H&M
6. Jacket, Joe Fresh
7. Top, Forever 21
8. Rings, H&M
9. Shoes, Joe Fresh
10. Bracelet, H&M
11. Hat, Joe Fresh

Rose: I Want

Although I am not technically allowed to shop, I realized that I have a few gift certificates to spend before I leave for France. Trying to mix business with pleasure, I am looking for good looking yet long lasting items.

(As you can see I basically went nuts browsing the Zara website. Can't wait to get to the store Thursday, with my trustee advisor Violette!)

(Of course I can't afford ALL of these items. But if any of you want to contribute to my foundation, all donations are welcome.)

Denim capris - Smart Set - $44

Lace Top - Forever 21 -$18

Flower T-Shirt - Zara - $29

Polka Dot Tube Top - Zara - $15
Striped sweater - Zara - $20

Textured Vest - Zara - $12

Nautical Bag - Smart Set - $32

Flats - Keds - $45

Rose: I Want

Hair clips - F21

Bag - F21

Maxi dress - F21

White blouse - Zara

Sandals - Aldo

Skirt - Zara

This is only a handful of items on my mind that I feel would complete my wardrobe. I especially like the maxi dress, which, for once, isn't an empire waist and would probably be quite flattering on me. And the colours are amazing! I think I might venture out to the store and see if they have it. In all cases, I'm getting these cute hair clips. The sandals are simply a must-have and would fit with pretty much everything I own. And the white skirt? I have a few ideas on how I would style it, although I would probably make it a little bit shorter. I've also tried on the white blouse the other day and it looked great, but it is a bit out of my price range. What's my price range, you ask? 0, my friend. All forms of donations accepted.

Violette: I Want

Today marks the end of our shopping ban. Yay!

We aren't done with the 30x30 challenge yet, but prior to the challenge, Rose and I decided to do the shopping ban part of the challenge for the month of February only. We'll continue (and finish!) the challenge, but we are now allowed to shop. In a way, it's kind of a tease because if we shop, we won't wear the new additions to our wardrobe before a couple of weeks haha!

To celebrate this day, I made a little list of what I want right now.

Polka dot dress (Zara, 59,90 CAD)

Handbag (Zara, 99,90 CAD)

Red shoes with block heel (Aldo, 80 CAD)

Warby Parker prescription glasses, 95 USD

Nude pumps (Aldo, 80 CAD)

Katy Perry for OPI, Shattered

Wide-leg jeans (Gap, 79,50 CAD)

Oxford-style ballerinas (Aldo, 60 CAD)

Rose: I Want

Striped bag (F21)

Navy inspired dress (HM)

Structured blazer (Zara)

Feminine dress (Zara)

Owl necklace (F21)

Sleeveless gray cardigan (La Redoute)

Orange nail polish (OPI)

Rose: I Want

Hello back, readers.

This is the newest instalment of my wish list, although I am very aware that wish list season is pretty much over for another 363 days. Anyhow, me being me, I still have a few needs that have yet to be fulfilled.

rose: I Want

Faux-Leather Crossbody Bags - Old Navy - $22.99

Purple Tie-Waist Embroidered Top - Old Navy - $26.50

Blue Striped Boatneck T - American Eagle Outfitters - $24.50

Skinny destroyed jeans - American Eagle Outfitters - $39.50

Fab Slub Crochet Trim Top - F21 - $12.50

Vintage Floral Bag - F21 - $29.80

Deal breaker

See this gorgeous dress? Summery, white, textured, pocketed, and almost half price.

Vous voyez cette magnifique robe ? Estivale, blanche, texturée, à poche... et à presque moitié prix.

But $40 of taxes and delivery fees to Canada? That's a dealbreaker, ladies!

Mais avec 40$ de taxes et frais de livraison au Canada... non merci !

i want

Black Vegan Wallet - on sale at $35 - www.mattandnat.com

Retro Sparkling White Crane Earrings, $23, http://www.etsy.com/listing/32185656/retro-sparkling-white-crane-earrings

Blue halter blouse - $30 - www.simons.ca

je veux

Une grosse montre d'homme en or. A gold man's watch.

modcloth - dad knows best watch

Une robe maxi. A maxi dress.

modcloth - i dye! maxi dress

queen's wardrobe - natural fit coton long dress

forever 21 - lightweight knit dress

Et vous? And you?