NYE Outfit Pairings Featuring H&M and Forever 21

I was thrilled to have been asked by the Mic Mac Mall team to pull a few outfit pairings for New Years Eve and of course my shopaholic heart was fluttering with excitement. I immediately thought of two stores that are unique to Mic Mac Mall and most importantly two stores that offer a variety pieces to appease everyone's personal style. As of late I have been really into a soft/neutral palette with my accessories being my hit of sparkle and glam. I've chosen two outfit pairings (going out and staying in) from each store that include pieces which you could restyle all year long (a major factor I consider when purchasing an item).  

H&M - Going Out

I have had a slight obsession with these structured midi length skirts lately and this one from H&M is to die for. I love the structured flare, the high waisted fit, the textured print, and of course the hidden side pockets. This style of skirt brings back the lady-like elegance and grace of the 1940s but with a modern twist. I have paired this beautiful H&M mesh sweater (fits large, I went a size down for this look) with this skirt because I love the blush hue and soft textured design. This sweater (oversized) would look amazing with leather-like pants and a pair of scrappy black high heel sandals. Pulling the above look together are these amazing gold metallic leather pumps from Nine West. You can never go wrong with metallic or a classic pointed toe pump.

H&M - House Party

 

This outfit is perfect for that low key house party with friends when you aren't sure how dressed up you need to be but comfort is at the top of your list. This beaded sweatshirt from H&M combines comfort and glam effortlessly and when paired with these textured joggers you have yourself the ideal comfort driven outfit. A classic pair of metallic pumps and a statement necklace keeps you on point style wise without sacrificing a ounce of comfort.

Forever 21 - Going Out

How gorgeous are these shoes from Nine West? I saw them and knew instantly I had to include them in this post. Every gal needs a pair of shoes to make she feel sexy and feminine and ladies, let me tell you that these are the ones to do it! I held these babies up and instantly had flashes of outfit pairings - ripped boyfriend jeans, skinny black denims, little black dresses, structured midi skirts,  loose fitting joggers, tulle skirts, and so on and so on. For this post I have paired them with with a great find from Forever 21, this may look like coordinating separates at first glance, but is actually a slightly strutted dress. This is one of those dressed that you could dress up with sexy shoes and accessories for a night out or paired with hosiery and pumps for a corporate function.

Forever 21 - Staying In

This maxi sweater dress from Forever 21 is a dream to wear and actually caught my eye because it reminds me of the traditional Vietnamese dresses that I've had in the past. The high waisted slit creates a flattering fit and when paired with these Forever 21 faux leather leggings it creates an edgy relaxed look that you can rock all day long. I chose these wedged leather booties from Nine West to pair with this outfit to elongate my frame and are so comfortable that I didn't even want to take them off after shooting.

I hope this post has given you some inspiration for your NYE outfits and I wanted to throw a big THANKS out to the Mic Mac Mall team, Nine West, H&M, and Forever 21 for letting me pull these great pieces!

Thanks for reading and I hope everyone had a great Holiday thus far and of course Happy Boxing Day Shopping!

Instagram and Twitter : hali_chic

xo Thanh

Leopard Coat + Denim on Denim

Scarf: Old | Coat: BB Dakota Hazel Coat | Shirt: H&M Jewelled Chambray Shirt

Jeans: Old but similar - Target Boyfriend Jeans | Shoes: Joe Fresh (Old)

Handbag: Longchamp Le Pilage Cuir 

Photo Credit: Monica Phung

This coat was on high rotation this season for me and I received so many compliments each time I wore it. It was actually a great bargain find for me at a local shop here in Halifax called Twisted Muse last year; sadly the shop is no longer there but their sister store Sweetpea Boutique still carries bb dakota (and other brands) of adorable coats. It was originally a size medium and was much to large for me, but I could not pass on such a great find, so I called upon my mother (the seamstress) and had her re-size the jacket to the perfect fit. I've dressed it up and down and each time it adds such a tailored and effortless touch to any outfit. I love that the leopard pattern is on a non-traditional grey background and it gives it a bit of edge. I've paired this jacket above with my favourite target boyfriend jeans (I can't seem to take them off!) and the softest chambray button up top from H&M. This shirt is a fantastic fit! Sitting slightly lower in the back, making it great for layering over a tee-shirt and paired with leggings and over-the-knee boots. The scattered jewels on the front really allow you to dress it up or down and let's face it, who doesn't love some glam on the traditional chambray? 

Longchamp is one of my favourite handbag/luggage brands and I have collected a few different pieces over the years. Their quality is amazing and I am currently still using my first large le pillage tote as a work bag and it is going on 6 years old. This bag is my first leather piece from them and I must say, I'm hooked! The leather is so soft and buttery and for being the smaller sized version, it can hold a ton of stuff. I love the option of a shoulder/cross body strap and it was often a wish I had for my work tote - wishes have been answered! I purchased mine at Foreign Affair on Spring Garden and I can't wait to see what other Longchamp goodies they get in.

As you can probably tell, I love having pieces in my closet that can be mixed and matched, dressed up or down, and that has a lot of texture - plush jacket, crisp denim, soft leather, pattern, sparkle... I love it all! What's your most versatile piece in your closet and why do you love it? I would love to know!

As always, follow me on Instagram and Twitter at "hali_chic" for daily musings... until next time! :-)

xo Thanh

P.S. A little elf has been whispering of a huge holiday giveaway so stay tuned for details in the coming days! Tis the season for gifting and I wanted to share the love with you guys! 

Leopard + Red Houndstooth

Shirt: Joe Fresh | Vest: Winners | Clutch: Winners | Jeans: Target (Similar) 

Shoes: Joe Fresh (Similar) | Necklace: Stella and Dot

Patterns, patterns, and more patterns! I love how you can take two completely different and contrasting patterns and if paired right, they bring together an outfit or look perfectly. I was lucky to be blessed with beautiful, and dare I say warm weather last week to shoot some outfit photos with my ever so great sister Monica Phung. 

This outfit has been one of my favourite go-to looks for a causal Fall day. I love how this vest is cinched at my waist and helps to elongate my frame, and of course the gorgeous play on the traditional black and white houndstooth along the bottom hem. I've paired my favourite calf hair leopard patterned clutch; leopard is the new black... right? Well it sure goes with literally everything and can hold a deceiving amount of my must haves on the run. Let's talk about a bargain; these boyfriend style jeans from Target were on clearance for only $8.99 and I literally have remind myself that I can't wear them everyday because they are that comfortable and effortless. I only regret not going back in time to get the other denim wash versions... lesson learned! I am always excited to get my fall booties back in rotation when Fall arrives, and these leather ankle boots by Joe Fresh may be old, but definitely a classic staple in my closet! They have been worn more times than I can count over the last 4 years but certainly do not show their age one bit.

What is your favourite item that is bursting with pattern in your closet at the moment?

Thanks for reading and Happy Fri-Yay! Don't forget to check out my Instagram and Twitter: "hali_chic"

xo

Thanh

Fedoras + Faux Fur Vests

 Hat: J Crew - Classic Fedora | Necklaces: Stella and Dot - Old
Bracelet: Stella and Dot - Renegade Cluster Bracelet | Watch: Burberry

Vest: Club Monaco - Maltilda Faux Fur Vest | Sweater: Ella Moss - Old

Skirt: Lush Clothing - Old | Shoes: Forever21 - Old
Handbag: Louis Vuitton - Speedy Bandoulière 25
Photo Credits: Monica Phung

Did I mention that I love Fall? Probably, but how can you not love the gorgeous colours and textures that this season brings us each year! This outfit is one of my favourites for fall because it screams warm and cozy with a touch of glam. 

Currently I have fallen in love with wool textured hats and I especially love this fedora style one from J. Crew for its neutral colour and classic shape. Every girl needs a classic hat to throw on in a hurry when there just isn't time to touch up the hair, or let's face it, when even dry shampoo isn't doing the trick! For my face shape and height this fedora has just the right amount of brim span that it doesn't overpower my frame. I went back and forth between purchasing the black one or the camel one, in the end I decided that the camel coloured one worked well with my skin and hair tone... hats are one of those items that you just have to try on to ensure you get the right one for you.

Let's chat about those fluttery skirts you wore all spring and summer... remember that you can now layer them on top of black tights or pair them with over-the-knee boots for an instant transitional look (and added warmth) for your Fall outfits. The skirt pictured above is one of my go-to pieces for layering because of the faux leather details that add that extra pop of texture to your outfit. If you are in the Halifax area; check out an Envy Clothing Store location near you - they have a great selection of a bit of everything from outerwear to accessories. 

Ahhhh the faux fur vest is a must have for any closet and yes, you have seen this oldie (but a goodie) before in previous posts! An ever versatile piece that can be paired endlessly, you really can't go wrong! Look for one that has natural and neutral colourings so you can easily pair it with many items in your current closet. Be sure not to choose one that is too big, fluffy, or long if you are like myself and may not be the tallest person out there :-) There is certainly a right fit, colour and shape in terms of the perfect faux fur vest for everyone so knowing your body type and overall style is key.

Fall is truly sweater weather and I love unpacking my warm and cozy knits when the leaves start to turn. There has been something about metallic, well everything, that has caught my eye in recent months and this sweater from last winter is still a favourite. I love the rose-gold hue and the metallic shimmer that this top from Ella Moss has... how could you go wrong? I purchased this gem at Foreign Affair in Halifax - check out either locations for lots of designer goodies!

As always, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily musings :-) Thanks for reading and I will see you in my next post!

xo 

Thanh

Dramatic Skirts + Cropped Tops

Hat: H&M | Top: H&M (Similar) | Skirt: Zafira | Shoes: Zara (Old); Similar at Nine West (On sale)

Necklaces: Stella and Dot (Old) | Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Michael Kors (Similar) 

Watch: Burberry | Sunglasses: Tom Ford

Handbag: Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Bandouliere in Damier Ebene 

Photo Credit: Amy Prince

Let me chat to you for a minute about an often forgotten about time of year; the handful of weeks between summer and fall when the weather is cooler (at times) but still too warm to pull out those warm knits and too-big-for-me scarves. It's technically Fall.... but here on the east coast of Canada we savour each semi-warm day we can before the grey and chilly weather sets in for the long haul. It's during these weeks that are perfect for taking some of your favourite spring and summer pieces and pairing them with some fall staples for a great transitional look. 

How fun is this skirt? It is so comfortable and draped just right to flatter any figure type and of course let's not forget about that amazing front side slit that gives you a peek-a-boo of leg with each stride. I can't say enough about this piece; it's well fitted, dramatic, and an essential year-round piece that can be styled endlessly... that's probably why this classic skirt from Zafira is available through Spring/Summer and into Fall/Winter. In warmer weather this skirt is typically paired with a racer back cropped tank and a pair of strappy sandals.  To take it from transitional weather into cooler Fall/Winter temperatures; just pair it with a faux fur vest, a light-weight scarf, and textured ankle boots for an instant cozy Fall/Winter look. 

What piece do you love wearing year around?

xo Thanh

Follow along with me on Instagram and Twitter at "hali_chic" for daily musings :-)

Printed Trousers + Magenta Pumps

On Top: Blouse - Old (Dynamite Similar) / Tank Top - Le Chateau / Necklace: Stella and Dot

On Bottom: Cynthia Rowley - Old (In love with these ones from Zafira) / Shoes: Aldo - Old (Try these from Le Chateau - currently on sale)
Photo Credit: Monica Phung

I must say that one of my favourite trends this season has been the loose fitting printed trousers, they can be found in an abundance of colours and patterns to fit any personality. Look for a pair that fits slightly loose from the hips down, the slight draping will flatter any body type. The great thing about going with a bold coloured bottom is that you can either do a neutral (ie. nude toned) heel or pair them with an eye-catching contrast coloured heel. I personally love pairing cobalt blue with a pop of magenta, or vice versa because they always go so well together. Remember to stick to only one item of each contrast (but complimentary) colour in your look as so not to distract from the each piece individually.

The pants pictured above are by Cynthia Rowley and are older so I couldn't find any links to it presently... But these lovely printed trousers from Zafira are to die for! Zafira is locally designed here in Halifax and is certainly making waves in the local fashion world. Be sure to check them out and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for news on future pop-up shops where you can check out their fun and fabulous pieces in person! 

Don't forget to comment or email me with any questions and as always, remember to follow me on Instagram and Twitter at "hali_chic" for outfit pairings and news!

xo

Thanh

What I've Been Wearing: Shoes

Shoes for Days...

It's hard to believe that July is already here and that we only have about two full months of summer left. Some of you have asked for a mini review on the new shoes that I have acquired for this season and now that I have had a chance to give all of these a good trial, I can finally give you my thoughts on them. You may have recognized these babies from a previous post on "Spring Must Haves: The Shoes" and I must say, they have all been worth the purchase!

First up are these fabulously fun slip-ons by Steve Madden. The leopard printed pony hair is striking and every time I wear them I get so many compliments on them. The rubber sole isn't as thick as some other slip-on sneakers that I have browsed, which I like more because you can focus on the pattern and texture of the pony hair. The Ecentric slip-on also comes in a black, pink, and a black/white spotted pony hair so there is colour and pattern for everyone. I found that these took a few days of "wear" to break in and they weren't the most comfortable during that time at all. These run small so buy a half size up if you are planning on getting a pair, I normally wear a 5.5 so a 6 was the perfect fit for me. They are pretty true to size as far as width is concerend and fits as any sneaker would normally. You may be able to tell from the photo that the pony hair upper can crease with use, which is expected and honestly, I like how these look the more I wear them. I love to pair these with black skinny jeans and a white slightly oversized tee under a chambray button up - the perfect outfit for running errands (as I often have to do when I finally have a day off from my 12 hour shifts). 

Still staying in the slip-on family, these incredibly comfortable pups are the Alegra sneaker from Coach and I tend to gravitate towards these the most because of their neutral tone and minimalist shape. These were comfortable from the very first wear and did not need to be broken in at all. They are made of a perforated suede upper that comes in the colours; parchment (pictured above), raw denim (navy), and tiger lily (red). Normally I never go for footwear that is this light in colour because I tend to worry about it getting dirty too quickly, however, I've been wearing these since the end of May and they have held up just fine. The upper suede creases a bit with wear but because it's a perforated suede it is much more flexible than the pony hair upper and the shape bounces back much better. The sole is lightly padded to add comfort but is still quite light for a sneaker. These fit true to size and I ended up getting a 6 only because that was the smallest size at the store. The only annoying thing about these sneakers is that if you were to wear them with dark denim there is a chance of colour transfer so definitely be mindful of that. Luckily, rolled up hems and cut-offs are all the rage so   this may not be a concern too often. I love to pair these with my chambray joggers, a light grey, light gauge knitted sweater, and lots of mixed metal accessories to make a statement. If you are interested in getting a pair I would suggest starting your hunt now because they are currently sold out at Coach online and other major department stores. 

So far these these cognac toned sling back sandals from Aldo are my only high heels that I have purchased this season (thus far) and as predicted, they are perfect for all of my summer pairings. The leather upper is soft and subtle and quite comfortable from the start but because it's not a pebbled leather, it's not as durable so I wouldn't risk wearing them in the rain or when the ground is wet. I really like the wooden heel on this sandal because it is just the right height and width to make it comfortable enough to wear for most of the day on your feet. However, I would have liked there to be a bit of a hidden platform under the ball of your foot to add to the comfort level even more. These also come in a black leather upper and if you are from the States, these are currently on sale on the US Aldo site and Zappos. Unfortunately for us Canadians, these are still listed at full price ($100.00) on the Canadian Aldo site. I love wearing these with my summer rompers and skirts because they help me elongate my frame a bit but they also go great with a pair of cuffed up boyfriend jeans and a loose fitting sleeveless silk tank top. 

I Hope you have enjoyed my ramblings on my current favourite footwear and that I have helped you decide if any of these were right for you. I know I always enjoy reading/watching reviews of items that I am thinking about purchasing so I hope this review answered some of your questions.

As always, follow me on Instagram at hali_chic to see my pairings and if you like more reviews on products or have any questions for me, shoot me an e-mail.

xo

Thanh