Classic Casual and Fast Fashion

Striving to live a simplified version of my (pre-accident) High Heeled Life that better fits who I am now has my closet seeing a mass exit of wardrobe pieces. My life no longer consists of boardroom meetings and client lunches/dinners - so the need for "power" suits has been replaced by a more casual look. Casual however does not mean that I'm running around in yoga pants or sacrificing style.

"Classic Casual" for me is about pieces that offer comfort (for sitting at the computer writing/blogging, speaking engagements - playing with the doggies, running errands and attending medical/therapy appointments) and still make me look and feel, polished and stylish.
These photos of The Duchess of Cambridge are a great example of Classic Casual.

Jennifer Aniston and Eva Mendes are two additional wonderful examples of Classic Casual.




As with a corporate or office wardrobe it is important to buy well made casual clothing. Unfortunately when it comes to casual clothing many of us (and I've been in this group - and sometimes still find myself here) it is hard to justify spending a little extra on these (casual) items and find ourselves settling for fast mass produced garments that are made from lower quality fabrics, poor fitting but cost less.

I'm not saying you have to break the bank - what I am saying is that before you buy a pair of pants that fit only "ok" - not great - think twice. If the fit is poor, you will not feel comfortable wearing them; chances are you will not get your wear out of them and they will start taking up valuable real estate in your closet. While a pair of pants that may cost a little more fit great and feel great --- they are worth every penny --- as you will actually wear them. Just as with your work wardrobe think longevity, quality, fit - investment.

Fast fashion has become like a drug for us when it comes to clothing - we want the "look" at a fraction of the cost - and fast fashion fills that need. Here is a great video that I received to view, which I think will be of interest to you.  Don't get me wrong I too shop these fast fashion dealers but I shop them for the "TRENDS" ... because the garment will usually last only as long as the trend - a Hollywood minute.

Created by OnlineMBA.com

Would love to hear your thoughts on Fast Fashion and what part it plays in your wardrobe?

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Sharing with : Friday's Fancies , Simply LuLu Style,  Sunday - Tres Chic Style Bits

7 Years Ago Today ... To Heaven and Back

Sometimes things happen in life not of our choosing and often making no sense at the time - if it ever makes sense. What I have learned first hand is that though it makes no sense - no matter if it is good or bad - everything in life happens for a reason.

Seven years ago today (October 28th, 2006) at 8:30 p.m. life as I had know it came to an end. That is when I was struck by a careless driver as I crossed the street to a friend's home for the celebration of another friend's birthday(you can read more here). Sometime between being struct and awakening from my coma 2-3 weeks before Christmas while my body lay mangled and broken my spirit returned home to heaven. I may not recall the accident - but I recall every moment of my journey and the beauty I saw and heard during my time in heaven (you can read more here)

I am still getting my bearings with this "new" life and trying to create a me that fits, but what I am more certain than ever is that I am meant to live a life of service, to help others who are struggling with change in their life. Despite all the odds of my survival from the doctors - I survived, and am not just existing - I'm THRIVING!!

So as of this year ~ I will no longer look at this date October 28th as an ending ... But instead as a BEGINNING ... Happy 7 years of Re-birth to me!!! 

To all the wonderful new visitors and regular readers of this blog know that no matter what life throws at you - IT WILL MAKE YOU STRONGER ... even when it all seems hopeless! I hope that I continue to inspire and motivate you to live  your best High Heeled Life! 

Hugs and Blessings,

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Over a Cup of tea ~ Week 4

Welcome to tea my friends. For today's tea I'm sharing tea over brunch in the city.

There are many fabulous things about being in the city (Toronto) - the ability to go out for brunch on the week-end is one of my favourites. And ONE Restaurant in Yorkville did not disappoint.

The teapot was a heavy iron ...

Brunch was divine ... while I indulged in beef tenderloin (perfectly prepared medium rare - to my liking) with rosemary frites, two medium eggs and a side of multi-grain toast; Mr. G. devoured his spinach omelette, bacon, homefries and brown toast. It was tres yummy!

To accompany my delish meal I chose a Green Kombucha Lime tea. It was my first time trying this tea and I assure you it will not be my last. It was smooth and its delicate aroma was so soothing and warming, on the rainy filled Saturday.

Truly magnificent .... 

The teacup was a just a plain white porcelain but it was perfect for brunch!

 Have you experience a cup of Green Kombucha tea?


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sharing this post with:  Mosaic Monday ~Le chateau des fleurs  Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday ~  Inspire Me Tuesday ~  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday 

Arriving Soon!!!!

I'm a featured author in the forthcoming book 'Soulful Relationships' from the best-selling Adventures in Manifesting series published by Älska release date Nov 2013. 

Available for Pre-Order $19.98 FREE Shipping (until Oct. 10th, 2013)

EXTENDED TO BLOG READERS Until October 28th, 2013

The Adventures in Manifesting book series is the flagship project of Älska (pronounced ‘elsh-ka’, which means 'to love'). Currently a bestseller and distributed in over 19 countries around the world, the series is regarded as innovative and inspirational by its ever-growing readership, with over 32,000 books in print.

Soulful Relationships is a compilation of 33 authors sharing personal stories about how to attract meaningful relationships into your life. Along with Sarah Prout and Sean Patrick Simpson (co-founder of both Älska Publishing and Verbii ) additional co-authors of this book include: Bob Doyle (author of #1 bestseller 'Follow Your Passion, Find Your Power' and featured teacher in the book/movie 'The Secret"), motivational speaker Lynn Rose, and Dallyce Brisbin (Co-Owner, Destiny Training Systems) and inspirational speaker.

Hugs and Blessings,


Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Over a Cup of Tea with Celia M. ~ Week 3

Welcome to tea ... Today's tea is a little trip down this past week's memory lane.

 As I prepare tea today I'm reflecting back over the week...

It has been one (if not the best) weeks ever. Sitting in the studio I'm steeping us some Pomegranate tea from Bentley's and serving a banana chocolate chip coffee cake from StarBuck's (which Mr. G. picked up for me on our drive home from a week-end with my family in Southwestern Ontario (Windsor).

I have chosen this beautiful teacup with a rose ... with it's elegant but sturdy and practical handle; well balance on a pedestal stem.

As the aroma of the blend of Chinese and Indian black tea with pomegranate embrace each sip ... I drift away in memory ...

  

This amazing past week started with celebrating Thanksgiving with my sister and her family; some close family friends and our mother at my home. But it was also my mother's 76th birthday ...

My Mother!!!! Happy Birthday ....

My brother and his family were unable to join us as the twins are still too young to travel the 4 hour drive. So, the fur-grand-babies ... Kobi, Dolce and Gabbana (and Stella too!) helped in the celebration.

 

My sister and I with our mother. Thank sis, for making it possible (my sister drove my mother up) for mom to spend the week with us. And we drove our mother back home this week-end. After visiting with my sister her family and a visit from my brother and his family. (family photos to come).

During our week together my mother and I had amazing conversations (the kind only mothers and daughters can have) over many cups of afternoon tea.

and of course there was lots of birthday cake left over .... here we enjoyed using the cherry blossom teacups my brother and his wife gifted me for Christmas. The teacup is from Teavana and is truly beautiful. 

(Photo credit www.ilovetoronto.com)

As regular readers of HHL know Windsor Arms in Toronto is my favourite place to enjoy afternoon tea. I was over the moon happy to be able to share this experience with my mother.  

We were so caught up in all the goodies that I forgot to check the bottom of the teacup for its origin... But it was a stunning collage of roses. 

We started with Greek yogurt & chives, goat cheese and caramelized shallot tart before indulging in a fabulous array of fresh sandwiches:

Smoked salmon and wasabi sour cream with salmon caviar, cucumber with sundried tomato paste and dill cream cheese, grilled chicken granny smith apples citrus mayonnaise, and fresh scones with preserves and Devon cream. Of course the scrumptious Petits Fours were as amazing as always.

We completed our tea with aged and old cheddar with crackers, grapes and chocolate dipped strawberry.

Thank you mom for the wonderful wisdom and beautiful trip down memory lane when I was just a little girl and for all that you shared of your life as young girl to marrying, to having children to seeing your grandchildren enter this world. I am proud to call you mother!

When was the last time you had a mother and daughter trip down memory lane?

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

sharing this post with:  Mosaic Monday ~Le chateau des fleurs  Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea ~ Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea time Tuesday ~ Artful Affirmations and Martha's favorites for Teacup Tuesday ~  Inspire Me Tuesday ~  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday