Our Favorite Winter Pieces!

We have been hardcore winter dressing here in Toronto. And wearing a lot of blouses with sweaters along with suede and leather pants to keep warm. We are still digging a lot of western vibe mixed with a Bart or Mickey Mouse Pop Culture feel. We also love a touch of bright yellow or bright red. Even though we have subdued all the bright colorful dressing for a bit because of the crazy snowstorms, we are still wearing a lot of patterned pants. And mixing it with leopard, faux fur, studs, plaid shirts and cozy sweaters. These are our favorite pieces from our online stores and things we are lusting for. Here we are on the weekend, hangin' out with our Mom and we are all feelin' the western pop vibe!

Proenza Schouler longsleeve shirt
Maison Martin Margiela Tabi boots
Isabel Marant longsleeve western shirt
Isabel Marant Suede Pants from My Theresa
H&M Positive Pants
H&M Polka dot sweater
Grey Chloe boots
Marc by Marc Jacobs friendship bird bracelet
Marc Jacobs Safety pin faux fur scarf
Prada slip on stud loafers
Bart Simpson longsleeve
Proenza Schouler Graffiti bag
Nars Dragon Girl Lipstick
Piers Atkinson Yellow pom pom hat
Black Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Caillianne- Nautical + Lumberjack

Sweater- Isabel Marant Cable knit sweater from Corbo in Toronto
Blouse- Vintage Burberry blouse from Vintage store in L.A
Pants- 3.1 Phillip Lim leather pants form Holt Renfrew in Toronto
Hat- Vintage hat from Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in NY
Bag- Green Balenciaga bag from Balenciaga store in Toronto
Charm on bag- Red heart Prada charm a gift from our Godmum :)
Shoes- Maison Martin Margiela Tapestry shoes from The Room at The Bay in Toronto

The Look: Nautical + Lumberjack

Fun Fact: I love mixing a good ol'sailor look mixed with a good ol' Lumberjack look...REMIX! Sammy found me this vintage hat at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in NY which is one of the best Flea Markets to check out. It's 39th and 9th on the weekend!

Hey Garnerstyle: Big Shoes Blues

I get questions all the time.  A lot of them are the same kinds of questions.  I love y'all and I am thoroughly appreciative for your support and questions, but you can imagine how it feels to answer the same question over and over to different people.  A fellow blogger from Wardrobe Oxygen has an awesome questions & answer posts, so I have decided to take cue from her and answer a question from reader.  Hopefully this will help in the sense that we both have reference guides to go back and forth too.   

Oh, I remember these days.  I've been a true size 11 since the age of 11 years old and finding cute shoes that match both your personality and your shoe size can be a pain in the butt.  I know that it's hard to find shoes in an size 11, so anything larger than that is even harder.  Fortunately I pretty awesome at finding large size shoes.  My best friend and ex-roommate played college basketball and stand 6'1 and a great many of her teammates would come visit us.  Some as tall as 6'5 and wearing a size 12 shoe.   As the "fashion friend" and  and fellow "big footer" I would always lend out advice on where to snag cute party shoes in size 11+.  

MiddleoftheRow:  Sam Edelman $139, Ninewest $99, Ninewest $109, Enzo Angiolini $140, Ninewest $75, Halogen $120

BudgetFriendly: Payless Christian Siriano $33, Payless Christian Siriano $55, Christian Siriano Payless $55, Torrid $20, Lane Bryant $60, Ninewest via 6pm.com $54

Luxe:  Mui Mui $595, Saint Laurent $895,  Nicholas Kirkwood $695, JCrew $350, Mui Mui $675, Charlotte Olympia $895

Here are some tips for finding larger size shoes:

• My go-to stores are Ninewest, Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack ~ They make searching easy and generally have a large shoe sections for even the size 11s and above.  If you are fortunate to live near outlets, Ninewest Outlets have a great selection of size 12s.  
• Try and different brands and so you can familarize yourself with how they fit.  I never have a hope of wearing Manolos, Jimmy Choo or Christian Loubitins, because they run narrow and small, even in a size 12 I can't wear those shoes.  My feet resemble those of Fred Flintstone (thanks Mom!).  I can, however, wear Valentino, they run fairly normal in size.  
• When you see it, buy it.  I've always had a snatch and grab theory when it comes to shoes.  They are so hard to find that when find a pair that is perfect for you then buy it.  I promise it won't be there later. 
• Plus size retailers like Torrid, Lane Bryant, an often do carry shoes in larger sizes and in wider widths, so make sure you are always looking at those places just in case something fabulous comes along.
• Repair, repair, repair.  Like a good man, size 11+ fabulous shoes are hard to find.   Instead of tossing your favorite pair of shoes that become damaged, get them repaired.  Better yet, do a little preventative care on your shoes so that they will last longer.   You can have the soles reinforced for a small fee.  
• eBay!!! Fabulous & unique shoes are sold on eBay all the time in size 11s or larger.  
• Just like plus size clothing, these retailers are starting to realize that there is a large market of women who wear a size 11+, so they are starting to cater to that girl.  Get your google search on periodically to just see who's carrying those size 11s, 12s, & 13s. 
• Finally, know that you are going to be on the hunt.  You want fabulous shoes they are not just going to jump up and say, "Here I am!"  Don't get discouraged when you don't find what you want, just keep looking.  Persistence will pay off, I promise!

If you have any suggestion on finding larger size shoes please share with a comment.  Got a question that you would like to be answered, send it to my message box at the Garnerstyle Facebook Page.  I can't guarantee that everyone's question will be featured, but you know I will try.  

Samantha- Snowballs + Hip Hop

Jacket- Vintage Norma knitwear jacket from Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in NYC
Shirt- Isabel Marant Fall 2012 western shirt from Curve Boutique in LA
Hat- Yankee's baseball cap from Foot Locker store in Toronto
Pants- H&M white patchwork jeans from H&M store in Toronto
Bag- Vintage crocodile bag (no label) from Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in NYC
Boots- Coach chelsea boots gifted from Coach

The Look: Snowballs + Hip Hop

Fun Fact: This jacket reminds me of the knitted bobble jackets my grandmother used to knit for us when we were younger, at her knitting store. We started collecting these vintage "Norma," jackets at flea markets because the knitted bobbles are crazy cool and they are sooo hard to find! I think we have about 4 of them so far! Don't I look like a giant snowball!

We've been Coveteur'd!

The Coveteur came over and shot our closets! WoW! Did we have the best time ever! Cubby and Marni loved getting their photo taken. To check out more fabulous pics and get the scoop on our closet visit The Coveteur!

 

Lately on Insta-Schnizzle!

Hot off the instagram press...follow us here! @Beckermanblog

K.I.S.S.

I had a high school basketball coach yell K.I.S.S. at us all the time.  The concept of Keep it simple, Stupid!" I'm not really sure if that was proper encouragement for developing teenage girls, but it worked.  It's something I can repeatedly hear sounding off in my head when I'm about to make something complicated that doesn't have to be.  I was putting something together for some errand running and I just got all over complicated with the look.  You can check the previous look on Instagram (garnerstyle).  I felt like an overstuffed cupcake.  It was bulky and just didn't come off  polished.  My initial thought was to work this skirt as it is shown.  This leads me to another conclusion, my first instinct is usually my best one...in life and when getting dressed.   

As a blogger, I know what it is to get caught up and go one step too far.  Yes, I go too far on occasion.   You have to reel yourself back in.   I've also gotten a few questions on how to develop personal style.  A lot of you girls have that on your New Year's resolution lists. which is awesome. I'm always an advocate for looking your best.  The K.I.S.S. concept is a great way to start to develop that.  Simple looks are always fabulous!  Start off simple and then add pieces or accessories that are more reflective of your personality.  

Top:  LandsEnd $19, Skirt - eShakti $72, Belt - Ann Taylor (old), Shoes - Nordstrom (similar), Necklace - Asos $26 - Skirt was sponsored by eShakti

Milkshake!

I have hated a chain belt for so long.  The very existence of them has made me ill.  In my life, I don't generally say never, because it usually comes back to bite me.  As you can see, it did.  It just seemed to be the perfect add-on for this fancy frock that Igigi generously sent to me.  This is a definite "Milkshake" dress.  My husband did the double take...LOL.  

Soooooo....I am rapidly approaching 2K followers on this the blog and to celebrate I have teamed up with Igigi to do a series of giveaways.  So there will be multiple winners.  The first on deck is this dress! Let's start off 2013 right.  Rules and entry details below.  

Outfit:  Dress - Igigi $175, Belt - H&M $40, Shoes - Evans $32

Must be a blog follower to enter.  Rules and ways to enter in the Rafflecopter Widget.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm Half Way There!

Happy New Year!

You see what happens when I don't blog for a while! 

The hair has grown out and the belly has gotten bigger. 

This is what 21 weeks of pregnancy looks like:)

I'm just beyond the half way point already! 

This coat....I love her so much!

I got it from the thrift store last week and I may have tinkled on myself from unexpected giggles. 

(I'm just kidding...maybe)

It seems to be handmade and just perfect.

I have about 2.2 weeks before I can't button it anymore.

So, I'm going to wear it everyday to get my use out of it. 

Vintage Thrifted Hand Made Coat: Thrift Store

Dress: Old Navy ($8 in the clearance section after Christmas)

Earrings: Aldo

Pour La Victoire Irina Heels

P.S....I'm having a GIRL!

Edge of Seventeen

I hope everyone had a good New Year and will have an even better year.  It is so hard for me to get back into blogging after the holidays, but I'm here and I'm back with a little leather and lace fun.  I put together some goodies that I've been hoarding that were generously sent to me from London Times, Lane Bryant, and this super cute clutch cover from Clutched & Covered.  

I can admit I was feeling a little rocker chic (and like I kick butt and take names later if needed) at my lunch date with my honey.  He really loved this looked and encouraged to get out of my "holidaycoma" and take some photos.  While wearing, Edge of Seventeen was in my head while wearing this.  I'm not sure if I'm weird, but when I wear certain look, a song  that I associate with the look usually pops into my head.  

Outfit:  Dress - London Times $98, Leather Jacket - Lane Bryant $207, Clutch - Cover $27, Sunglasses - Neiman Marcus for Target $12, Booties - Thrifted $20, Tight - Spanx $38 ~ Save 15% on a clutch cover by using code CLUTCHEDANDGARNERED.